CN105531632A - Cartridge and drum unit for electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge mountable in a printer includes a coupling guide capable of contacting a coupling of the cartridge and guiding a coupling part. The casing of the box is provided with a hole for exposing a free end portion of the coupling to the outside of the box, and a back-off portion provided downstream of the hole with respect to the mounting direction of the box. When the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the printer, the coupling guide enters the retracted portion from which the coupling member has retracted.

Description

Cartridge and drum unit for electrophotographic image forming apparatus

technical field

The present invention relates to a cartridge and drum unit that can be used for an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer.

Background technique

In the field of electrophotographic type image forming apparatuses, a structure is known in which elements such as a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, which are rotatable members that facilitate image formation, are integrated so as to be detachably mounted. To the cartridge of the main assembly (main assembly) of the imaging device. Here, in order to rotate the photosensitive drum in the cartridge, it is desirable to transmit driving force thereto from the main assembly. For this purpose, it is known to transmit the driving force through the engagement between the coupling part of the cartridge and the driving force transmission part such as the driving pin on the main assembly side of the device.

In some types of image forming apparatuses, the cartridge is detachable in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. In the known main assembly, the drive pin of the main assembly is moved in the direction of the axis of rotation by the opening and closing operations of the cover of the main assembly. More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a coupling member provided at an end portion of a photosensitive drum is pivotable with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. As is known, a coupling part provided on the cartridge engages with a drive pin provided in the main assembly, whereby the driving force can be transmitted from the main assembly to the cartridge.

[Prior Art References] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2008-233867.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides a further improvement of the prior art described above.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the coupling member includes: a pivotable coupling member, wherein the main assembly includes a movable coupling for engaging with the coupling member. a rotary joint portion; and a coupling guide positioned downstream of a rotational axis of the joint portion with respect to a mounting direction of the cartridge for being contacted by the coupling member pivoted relative to the rotational axis of the joint portion to guide the coupling member parallel to the axis of rotation of the engaging portion, the cartridge is mountable to the main assembly in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the engaging portion, the cartridge includes: a frame; for carrying developer a rotatable member; and a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable member; the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion and having a connecting portion for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the transmitting portion of the force receiving member, the frame includes a hole for exposing the free end portion to the outside of the frame portion; and a receiving portion provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the installation direction, for receiving the coupling member when the coupling member is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the installation direction and for receiving the coupling member and The engaging portion receives the coupling guide in place of the coupling member when engaged.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drum unit capable of being rotated by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Disassembled from the main assembly, wherein the rotatable coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit, the coupling includes: a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion; A connection portion of a transmission portion of the rotational force received by the receiving portion, the connection portion is provided with a through hole, wherein the coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit by holding the opposite end portion of the shaft passing through the through hole, so The drum unit includes: a cylinder having a photosensitive layer; and a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; an annular groove portion in the accommodation portion on the outside with respect to the radial direction of the cylinder; and a holding portion for holding an opposite end portion of a shaft passing through the through hole, wherein the groove portion overlaps with the retaining portion along the rotation axis direction of the cylinder.

Description of drawings

1 is a sectional view of a main assembly and a cartridge of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the behavior of mounting and detaching a cartridge with respect to a main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the act of mounting and detaching a cartridge with respect to a main assembly using a pivoting action of a coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling member according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a clearance space of the coupling member according to the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a drum unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory view of the act of assembling the drum unit into the cleaning unit.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the driving side flange unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a driving side flange unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an assembling method of the driving side flange unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing component according to the embodiment.

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing component according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the pivoting behavior of the coupling member relative to the axis L1 in this embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the driving portion of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is an exploded view of the drive portion of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a driving portion of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in the process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is an explanatory view showing a state in the process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the operation of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly of the device has been completed in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling guide in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is an explanatory view of detaching the cartridge from the main assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is an explanatory view of detaching the cartridge from the main assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is an explanatory view showing a state in the process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a coupling member and a joint portion on the main assembly side in the embodiment of the present invention.

27 is an explanatory diagram of a release operation between the coupling member and the main assembly side engaging portion when the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted to and detached from the main assembly.

Fig. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a coupling member and a driving pin in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a cartridge and a coupling guide in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing component according to the embodiment.

Fig. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing component according to the embodiment.

Fig. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing component according to the embodiment.

detailed description

Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming device is an image forming device using an electrophotographic type process. In electrophotographic type processing, the electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive member is developed toner. The development system may be a one-component development system, a two-component development system, a dry development system, or another system. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes a drum arrangement cylinder and a photosensitive layer thereon, which can be used with an electrophotographic image forming device.

The processing device includes a charging roller, a developing roller, etc., which can act on the photosensitive drum to form an image. The process cartridge is a cartridge including a photosensitive member or processing means (cleaning blade, developing roller, etc.) related to image formation. In an embodiment, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, and a cleaning blade as a unit.

More particularly, electrophotographic type laser beam printers can be widely used as multifunction machines, facsimile machines, printers, and the like. Reference numerals or signs in the following description are used to refer to the drawings and do not limit the structure of the present invention. The dimensions and the like in the following description are intended to clarify the relationship and do not limit the structure of the present invention.

The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge in the following description is a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction of the process cartridge to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (direction crossing the sheet feeding direction). The side of the process cartridge in its longitudinal direction where the photosensitive drum receives rotational force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is the driving side (driven side), and the opposite side is the non-driving side. In the following description, the upper portion (upper side) is based on the direction of gravity in the installed state of the imaging device unless otherwise specified, and the opposite side portion is the lower portion (lower side).

<Example 1>

Hereinafter, a laser beam printer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The cartridge in this embodiment includes, as a unit (process cartridge), a photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member (image bearing member, rotatable member), and a process device including a developing roller, a charging roller, and a cleaning blade. The cartridge can be detachably mounted to the main assembly. The cartridge is provided therein with rotatable parts (gears, photosensitive drum, flange, developing roller) that can be rotated by the rotational force from the main assembly A, where the parts for carrying and feeding the toner image are called carrying part.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the structure and image forming process of a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described. Then, referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the structure of the process cartridge will be described in detail.

1. Laser beam printers and imaging processing

1 is a sectional view of a main assembly A (device main assembly) and a process cartridge (cartridge B) of a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

The main assembly A is a part other than the process cartridge B in the laser beam printer.

Referring to FIG. 1, the structure of a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology and a process cartridge B can be attached and detached from the apparatus main assembly. When the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the process cartridge B is arranged below the laser scanner unit 3 as an exposure device (exposure device) with respect to the direction of gravity.

Below the process cartridge B, there is provided a sheet tray 4 accommodating a sheet P (recording material) on which an image is formed by an image forming device.

Further, the apparatus main assembly A includes a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a feed roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7 arranged in the following order from the upstream side along the sheet feeding direction X1 , a feed guide 8 , a fixing device 9 , a discharge roller pair 10 and a discharge tray 11 . A fixing device 9 as a fixing device includes a heating roller 9 a and a pressure roller 9 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the imaging process will be described.

The rotatable photosensitive drum 62 (drum 62 ) is rotated in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in response to a print start signal.

The charging roller 66 supplied with a bias voltage contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 .

A laser scanner unit 3 as an exposure device outputs a laser beam L modulated according to image information input to the laser beam printer. The laser beam L passes through an exposure window 74 provided in the upper surface of the process cartridge B and is incident on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 in a scanning manner. Thereby, a portion on the charged photosensitive member is discharged, so that an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) is formed in the surface of the photosensitive drum.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, in the developing unit 20 as a developing device, the developer (toner T) in the toner chamber 29 is stirred by the rotation of the feed screw 43 as a feeding member. And is fed into the toner supply chamber 28 .

Toner T as a developer is carried on the surface of a developing roller 32 as a developing device (processing device, rotatable member) by the magnetic force of a magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 serves as a rotatable member for carrying a developer and feeding the developer into a developing area to develop an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive member. The layer thickness of the toner T to be fed into the developing area on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 3 is regulated by the developing blade 42 . The toner T is triboelectrically charged between the developing roller 32 and the developing blade 42 .

The electrostatic image formed on the drum 62 is developed (visualized) by the toner T for bearing on the surface of the developing roller. The drum 66 rotates in the direction of arrow R, bearing the toner image provided by development.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet P is fed from the sheet tray 4, pickup roller 5a, feed roller pair 5b, and feed roller arranged in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A in a timing relationship with the output of the laser beam. Send to 5c.

The sheet P is fed to a transfer position (transfer nip) between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 along the transfer guide 6 . At the transfer position, the toner images are sequentially transferred from the drum 62 as the image bearing member to the sheet P as the recording material.

The sheet P with the transferred toner image is separated from the drum 62 as an image bearing member and fed to the fixing device 9 along the feed guide 8 . The sheet P passes through a fixing nip formed between a heat roller 9 a and a pressure roller 9 b in the fixing device 9 . At the fixing nip, the unfixed toner image on the sheet P is pressurized and heated to be fixed on the sheet P. As shown in FIG. Subsequently, the sheet P with the fixed toner image is fed by the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged onto a discharge tray 11 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, after the toner T is transferred onto the sheet, on the surface of the drum 62, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the sheet remains on the surface of the drum. superior. The untransferred toner is removed by the cleaning blade 77 contacting the peripheral surface of the drum 62 . Thereby, the toner remaining on the drum 62 is removed, and the cleaned drum 62 is recharged for the next image forming process. The toner (untransferred toner) removed from the drum 62 is stored in the remaining toner chamber 71 b of the cleaning unit 60 .

In this case, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 and the cleaning blade 77 serve as processing means acting on the drum 62 . In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, untransferred toner is removed by the cleaning blade, but the present invention can be applied to a type (cleanerless type) in which untransferred toner is adjusted in charge and is subsequently collected simultaneously with development by the development means. In the cleaner-less type, an auxiliary charging member (auxiliary charging brush, etc.) for adjusting the charge of untransferred toner is also used as the processing means.

2. The structure of the processing box

2 and 3, the structure of the process cartridge B will be described in detail.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge B as a cartridge. The frame of the process cartridge can be disassembled into a plurality of units. In this embodiment, the process cartridge B includes two units, namely, a cleaning unit 60 and a developing unit 20 . In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 60 including the drum 62 is connected to the developing unit 20 through two connecting pins 75, but the present invention is not limited to such a case, and a three-unit structure may be used, for example. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the units are not connected to coupling members such as pins and a part of the unit is replaceable.

The cleaning unit 60 includes a cleaning frame 71, a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning blade 77, and the like. A driving-side end portion of the drum (cylinder) 62 as a rotatable member is provided with a coupling member 86 (coupling) as a driving force transmission portion. The driving force is transmitted from the main assembly to the drum 62 as a rotatable member through the link member 86 (link). In other words, the coupling member 86 (coupling) as a driving force transmission portion is provided at the end portion (driven side end portion) where the drum 62 is driven by the apparatus main assembly A. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a drum 62 (photosensitive drum) as a rotatable member is rotatable about a rotation axis L1 (axis L1 ) as a drum axis (rotation axis of the drum 62 ). The coupling member 86 as a driving force transmission member is rotatable about a rotation axis L2 (axis L2 ) as a coupling axis (rotation axis of the coupling). The coupling member 86 as a drive transmission member (driving force transmission portion) is tiltable (pivotable) relative to the drum 62 . In other words, the axis L2 can be inclined relative to the axis L1, as will be described in detail below.

On the other hand, the developing unit 20 includes a toner accommodating container 21, a closing member 22, a developing container 23, a first side member 26L (driving side), a second side member 26R (non-driving side), a developing blade 42, a developing roller 32 and magnetic roller 34. The toner container 21 contains toner T as a developer, and a feed screw 43 (stirring sheet) as a feeding member for feeding the toner is provided therein. The developing unit 20 is provided with a spring (coil spring 46 in this embodiment) as an urging member for applying an urging force to regulate the postures of the developing unit 20 and the cleaning unit 60 relative to each other. Further, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting pin 75 (connecting pin, pin) as a connecting member to constitute the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

More specifically, the arm portions 23aL, 23aR provided at opposite end portions of the developing container 23 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20 (the axial direction of the developing roller 32) are provided with rotation holes 23bL, 23bR at free end portions. The rotation holes 23 bL, 23 bR are parallel to the axis of the developing roller 32 .

The longitudinally opposite end portions of the cleaning frame 71 as a frame (casing) of the cleaning unit are provided with corresponding holes 71 a for receiving the connection pins 75 . The arm portions 23aL and 23aR are aligned with predetermined positions of the cleaning frame 71, and the connection pin 75 is inserted through the rotation holes 23bL, 23bR and the hole 71a. Thereby, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected to each other about the connection pin 75 as a connection member.

At this time, the coil spring 46 as an urging member mounted to the base portion of each of the arm portions 23 aL and 23 aR abuts against the cleaning frame 71 so that the developing unit 20 is urged to the cleaning unit 60 around the connection pin 75 .

Thereby, it is ensured that the developing roller 32 as the processing means is pressed toward the drum 62 as the rotatable member. The opposite end portions of the developing roller 32 are provided with respective ring-arranged spacers (not shown) as gap maintaining members by which the developing roller 32 is spaced apart from the drum 62 with a predetermined gap.

3. Installation and removal of the processing box

Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, description will be made on operations related to the mounting and detaching of the process cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A. Referring to Figs.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for mounting and detaching the process cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main assembly A. FIG. Part (a) of Fig. 4 is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side, and part (b) is a perspective view seen from the driving side. The driving side is the longitudinal end portion where the coupling member 86 of the process cartridge B is provided.

The apparatus main assembly A is provided with a rotatable door 13 . FIG. 4 shows the main assembly in a state where the door 13 is opened.

Inside the apparatus main assembly A are provided a drive head 14 as a main assembly side engaging portion and a guide member 12 as a guide mechanism. The drive head 14 is a drive transmission mechanism on the main assembly side for transmitting a drive force to the cartridge mounted thereto by engaging with the coupling member 86 of the cartridge. After engagement, through the rotation of the drive head 14, a rotational force can be transmitted to the cartridge. The drive head 14 can be regarded as a main assembly side coupling in the sense that the drive head 14 engages with the coupling of the process cartridge B to transmit the driving force. The drive head 14 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main assembly A as a main assembly side engaging portion. The drive head 14 includes a drive shaft 14a as a shaft portion, and a drive pin 14b as an applying portion for applying a rotational force (partial view (b3) of FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, it is in the form of a drive pin, another structure may be used, for example, one or more protrusions (protrusions) protruding outward from the drive shaft 14a in the radial direction, and the driving force is transferred from the protrusions. The surface of the section is passed to the box. As another alternative, the drive pin 14a may be press fit into a hole provided in the drive shaft 14a and then welded. In sub-views (b1) to (b4) of FIG. 5 , hatched portions indicate cross-sectional surfaces. The same applies to subsequent figures.

The guide member 12 is a main assembly side guide member for guiding the process cartridge B in the main assembly A of the apparatus. The guide member 12 may be a plate-shaped member provided with a guide groove, or a member for guiding the process cartridge B at the lower surface of the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is supported.

Referring to FIG. 5, description will be made on the process of mounting and demounting the process cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main assembly A while the coupling member 86 as the driving force transmitting portion is tilting (pivoting, swinging, rotating).

Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of mounting and demounting of the process cartridge B with respect to the main assembly A when the driving force transmitting portion is tilting (pivoting, swinging, rotating). Parts ( a1 ) to ( a4 ) of FIG. 5 are enlarged views of the coupling member 86 and its surroundings viewed from the driving side toward the non-driving side. Part ( b1 ) of FIG. 5 is a sectional view (S1 sectional view) taken along line S1 - S1 in part ( a1 ) of FIG. 5 . Similarly, sub-figures (b2), (b3) and (b4) of Fig. 5 are sectional views taken along line S1-S1 in sub-figures (a2), (a3) and (a4) of Fig. 5 (S1 section picture).

The process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A in the process from sub-figures (a1) to (a4) of FIG. 5, and sub-figure (a4) of FIG. 5 shows the installation of the process cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A Completed state. In FIG. 5, the guide member 12 and the drive head 14 are shown as constituent parts of the apparatus main assembly A, and the other parts are constituent parts of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

Arrows X2 and X3 in FIG. 5 are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive head 14 . The direction indicated by arrow X2 will be referred to as X2 direction, and the direction indicated by arrow X3 will be referred to as X3 direction. Similarly, the X2 direction and the X3 direction are substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the drum 62 of the process cartridge. In FIG. 5, the direction indicated by arrow X2 is the direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A (downstream with respect to the cartridge mounting direction). The direction indicated by the arrow X3 is the direction in which the process cartridge B is detached from the main assembly (upstream with respect to the cartridge installation direction). The mounting and detaching directions include directions indicated by arrow X2 and arrow X3. Perform installation and removal in the corresponding direction. The direction may be described as upstream with respect to the installation direction, downstream with respect to the installation direction, upstream with respect to the detachment direction, or downstream with respect to the detachment direction depending on convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge B is provided with a spring as a urging member (elastic member). In this embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring 91 (torsion coil spring, recoil spring). The torsion coil spring 91 urges the coupling member to tilt the free end portion 86 a of the coupling member toward the drive head 14 . In other words, it urges the coupling member 86 so that during installation of the process cartridge B, the free end portion 86a is inclined downstream with respect to the installation direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive head 14. The process cartridge B is advanced into the apparatus main assembly A in such a posture (state) that the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 is inclined toward the drive head 14 (details will be described later).

The rotation axis of the drum 62 is the axis L1, the rotation axis of the coupling member 86 is the axis L2, and the rotation axis of the drive head 14 serving as the main assembly side engaging portion is the axis L3. As shown in sub-graphs (b1) to (b3) of FIG. 5, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 and the axis L3. The axis of rotation of the drive head 14 is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 14a. The driving side flange 87 is provided at an end portion of the drum 62 and is rotatable integrally with the drum 62 , and thus, the rotation axis of the driving side flange 87 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the drum 62 .

When the process cartridge B is inserted to the extent shown in sub-views (a3) and (b3) of FIG. 5, the coupling member 86 comes into contact with the drive head 14. In the example of sub-view (b3) of FIG. 5, the drive pin 14b as the rotational force applying portion is contacted by the standby portion 86k1 of the coupling member. Through this contact, the position (tilt) of the coupling member 86 is regulated so that the amount of tilt (pivot) of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 (axis L3 ) gradually decreases.

In this embodiment, the drive pin 14b as the application portion is contacted by the standby portion 86k1 of the coupling member. However, depending on the phase of the coupling member 86 and the driving head 14 in the direction of rotational movement, the portion where the coupling member 86 and the driving head 14 contact each other is different. Therefore, the contact position in this embodiment does not limit the present invention. It is sufficient as long as a portion of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member (details will be described below) contacts a portion of the drive head 14 .

When the process cartridge B is inserted into the installation completion position, the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 (axis L3), as shown in sub-views (a4) and (b4) of FIG. 5 . In other words, the axes of rotation of the coupling member 86, the drive head 14 and the drive side flange 87 are all substantially coaxial.

By engaging in this manner the coupling member 86 provided in the process cartridge B with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion, rotational force can be transmitted from the main assembly to the cartridge. When the process cartridge B is disassembled from the apparatus main assembly A, the process is reversed, that is, from the state of sub-figures (a4) and (b4) in Fig. 5 toward the state of sub-figures (a1) and (b1) state proceeding. Similar to the mounting operation, the coupling member 86 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion. That is, the process cartridge B is moved substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L3 of the drive head 14 in the direction X3 opposite to the direction X2, and the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 .

The movement of the process cartridge B in the X2 direction or the X3 direction can be performed only in the vicinity of the mounting completion position. In a position other than the mounting completion position, the process cartridge B can be moved in any direction. In other words, it suffices as long as the movement locus of the cartridge immediately before the coupling member 86 engages or disengages with respect to the drive head 14 is a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L3 of the drive head 14 .

4. Connecting parts

Referring to FIG. 6 , the coupling member 86 will be described. Regarding the direction of rotation, the clockwise direction may be referred to as a right-handed rotational direction, and the counter-clockwise direction may be referred to as a left-handed rotational direction. The direction of rotational movement R in FIG. 6 is counterclockwise when viewing the cartridge from the driving side toward the non-driving side.

For better explanation, imaginary lines will be drawn on plan views and imaginary planes will be drawn on perspective views. When a plurality of imaginary lines are to be used, a first imaginary line, a second imaginary line, a third imaginary line, etc. will be used. Similarly, when a plurality of imaginary planes are to be used, a first imaginary plane, a second imaginary plane, a third imaginary plane, etc. will be used. The inside of the box (inward direction of the box) and the outside of the box (outward direction of the box) are based on the frame of the box unless otherwise stated.

Part (a) of FIG. 6 is a side view of the coupling member 86 . Part (b) of FIG. 6 is an S2 sectional view of the coupling member 86 taken along line S2-S2 in part (a) of FIG. 6 . Part (b) of FIG. 6 shows, not in section, the coupling with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion.

Part (c) of FIG. 6 shows a state where the coupling member 86 is engaged with the drive head 14 . This is a view of the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 seen from the drive side end portion (end surface) of the cartridge and the outside of the drive head 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow V1 in sub-graph (a) of FIG. . Part (d) of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coupling member 86 . Part (e) of FIG. 6 shows the free end portion 86a (its will be described below) in the vicinity.

As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling member 86 mainly includes three parts. Briefly, it consists of two end sections and a section between these two end sections.

The first portion is a free end portion 86 a engageable with the drive head 14 as a main assembly side engaging portion to receive rotational force from the drive head 14 . The free end portion 86a includes an opening 86m that expands toward the drive side.

The second portion is a substantially spherical connecting portion 86c (accommodated portion). The connecting portion 86c is pivotably held (connected) by a driving side flange 87 as a force receiving member. One end portion side (cylindrical end portion) of the drum is provided with a driving side flange 87 , and the other end portion side is provided with a non-driving side flange 64 .

The first part can be regarded as comprising one end part side of the coupling part, and the second part can be regarded as comprising the other end part side of the coupling part. When the coupling member rotates (pivots) in a state where the coupling member is held by the drive-side flange 87 , the second portion can be regarded as including a rotation center.

The third portion is an interconnection portion 86g that connects the free end portion 86a and the connection portion 86c to each other.

Here, the maximum rotational diameter of the interconnection portion 86g Smaller than the maximum rotation diameter of the connecting portion 86c and less than the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a In other words, the diameter of at least a portion of the interconnection portion 86g is smaller than the diameter of the largest diameter portion of the connection portion. In addition, at least a portion of the interconnection portion 86g has a smaller diameter than the largest diameter portion of the free end portion 86a. These diameters are the maximum diameters around the axis of rotation of the coupling part and they are the maximum diameters of the imaginary circles of the respective cross-sectional portions of the coupling part on an imaginary flat plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling part.

The maximum rotation diameter of the connection part 86c greater than the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a With such a relationship, when the coupling member 86 is inserted from the free end portion 86a side with a value not less than and not greater than When in a hole of the diameter, the coupling member 86 will not pass through the hole. For this reason, when the unit including the coupling part 86 is assembled and after the assembly is completed, the coupling part is prevented from coming off from the unit into which the coupling part is inserted. In this embodiment, the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a greater than the maximum rotational diameter of the interconnecting portion 86g and is smaller than the maximum rotation diameter of the connecting portion 86c

These maximum rotation diameters can be measured and As shown in sub-graph (a) of Figure 6. More specifically, the diameter of the corresponding portion of the coupling member is measured in a longitudinal section including the axis of rotation of the coupling member, and the largest measured value of the corresponding portion is the largest diameter. The diameter may be based on the three-dimensional view shape provided by rotation of the coupling member about its axis of rotation. More particularly, with respect to each of the parts, the point furthest from the axis of rotation in the radial direction is determined. The locus of the point when the point revolves around the rotational axis of the coupling member is used as an imaginary circle, and the diameter of the imaginary circle is regarded as the maximum rotational diameter of the part.

As shown in sub-view (b) of FIG. 6 , the opening 86m includes a conical receiving surface 86f as an expanded portion expanding toward the drive head 14 in a state where the coupling member 86 is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. The receiving surface 86f is provided by a member providing the outer peripheral surface at the free end portion, and the recess 86z is formed in the free end portion by the receiving surface 86f protruding outward. The recess 86z includes an opening 86m (opening) in the side opposite to the drum 62 (cylinder) with respect to the axis L2.

As shown in sub-figures (a) and (c), on the circumference extending around the axis L2 at the tip portion of the free end portion 86a, two claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are provided at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis L2. . The standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 are provided between the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment a pair of protrusions are provided, but only one such protrusion may be provided. In such a case, the standby portion is a portion between the downstream side of the convex portion and the upstream side of the convex portion with respect to the clockwise direction. The standby portion is a space required for the drive pin 14b of the drive head 14 provided in the apparatus main assembly A to wait without contacting the claw portion 86d. This space is larger than the diameter of the drive pin 14b as the application portion for applying the rotational force.

This space is used as a play when the cartridge is mounted to the device main assembly A. In the radial direction of the coupling member 86, the recess 86z is inside the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2. The width in the diameter direction of the claw portion 86d is approximately equal to the width of the standby portion.

As shown in sub-graph (c) of Fig. 6, when waiting for the rotational force to be transmitted from the driving head 14 to the coupling part 86, the driving pin 14b for applying the rotational force is correspondingly in the standby parts 86k1 and 86k2 (ready position or standby position Location). In addition, in sub-graph (d) of FIG. 6 , on the upstream side of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 with respect to the rotational direction indicated by the arrow R, a receiving device for receiving rotational force in a direction intersecting the R direction is correspondingly provided. Portions 86e1 and 86e2 (part (a) of FIG. 6). The R direction in the figure is the direction in which the link rotates at the time of imaging due to receiving the driving force from the driving head 14 of the main assembly.

The drive head 14 and drive pin 14b for transmitting drive into the process cartridge B constitute a drive transmission mechanism. Depending on the configuration of the drive head, the components can have various functions. In such a case, the surface of the part that actually contacts and transmits the drive is the part that constitutes the drive transmission mechanism.

In a state where the coupling member 86 is engaged with the driving head 14 and the driving head 14 is rotating, the surface of the driving pin 14b on the main assembly side contacts the side surfaces of the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 of the coupling member 86 . Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engagement portion to the coupling member 86 as the drive transmission portion.

In base portions of the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2, cutouts (clearance spaces) 86n1 and 86n2 recessed from the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 toward the connecting portion 86c are provided. Referring to FIG. 7 , the cutouts 86n1 and 86n2 will be described in detail. Part (b) of Fig. 7 is the S3 section in part (a) of Fig. 7 .

FIG. 7 shows a state where the coupling member 86 is inclined along the drive pin 14b for applying a rotational force from the state where the drive pin 14b contacts the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutouts 86n1 and 86n2 are provided to avoid interference between the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 and the drive pin 14b when the coupling member 86 is inclined in a state where the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 and the drive pin 14b are in contact with each other. Therefore, when the entire standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 are cut toward the connection portion 86c, or when the driving pin 14b is shortened, no cutout may be provided. However, in this embodiment, the notches 86n1 and 86n2 are provided in consideration of the possibility that the rigidity of the coupling member 86 may decrease if the entire standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 are cut toward the connection portion 86c.

As shown in part (c) of FIG. 6, in order to stabilize the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 are preferably provided at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis L2. Thereby, the rotational force transmission radius is constant, and thus, the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 is stabilized. In addition, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 receiving the rotational force, it is preferable to arrange the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 at diametrically opposite positions (180° opposing). In particular, in the case where there is no flange around the receiving portion and the standby portion at the free end portion, it is preferable that the number of receiving portions is two as in this embodiment. In the case of an annular flange extending around the periphery of the receiving part, the receiving part is not exposed when viewed from a radially outward position along the axis of rotation. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the coupling member, the receiving portion can be relatively easily protected during transportation of the cartridge. However, with a structure in which the receiving portion is not visible from the outside along the rotational axis of the coupling member by providing the flange, the flange tends to interfere with the engaging portion.

As shown in subgraphs (d) and (e) of FIG. 6, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 receiving the rotational force, it is desirable that the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 are inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to the axis L2 so that the free ends The part is close to the axis L2. This is because, as shown in subview (b) of FIG. 6 , by the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 , the coupling member 86 is attracted toward the drive head 14 which is the main assembly side engaging portion. Thereby, the conical receiving surface 86 f contacts the spherical surface portion 14 c of the drive head 14 , thereby further stabilizing the position of the coupling member 86 .

In this embodiment, the number of claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 is two, but this number does not constitute a limitation of the present invention and may vary as long as the driving pin 14b can enter the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2. However, an increase in the number of claw portions may require a reduction in the claw portion itself (the width in the circumferential direction in sub-view (c) of FIG. 6 ) because of the necessity for the drive pin 14b to enter the standby portion. In such a case, it is preferable to provide two (a pair of) protrusions, as in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be provided on the radially inner side of the receiving surface 86f. Alternatively, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be provided at positions radially outside of the receiving surface 86f with respect to the axis L2. However, in this embodiment, the driving force from the driving head 14 is received by the side surfaces of the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 protruding from the receiving surface 86f in a direction away from the drum 62 along the rotation axis. Therefore, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the free end portion 86a for receiving the driving force from the device main assembly are exposed. If an annular flange is provided around the protrusion (pawl), the flange will interfere with its surrounding components when the coupling member 86 is tilted, and thus limit the tiltable angle of the coupling member 86 . In addition, provision of the ring flange may require components around it to be arranged so as not to interfere, resulting in an upsizing of the cartridge B.

Therefore, a structure having no portion other than the driving force receiving position (claw portions 86d1, 86d2 in this embodiment) contributes to the miniaturization of the cartridge B (and the main assembly A). On the other hand, in the absence of a flange surrounding the boss, the possibility of the boss being contacted by other parts during transport increases. However, as will be described later, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 can be accommodated in the outermost configuration portion of the bearing member 76 by urging the coupling member 86 by a spring. Thereby, the possibility of damage to the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 during transportation can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the protrusion amount Z15 of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 from the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 is 4 mm. This amount of protrusion is preferable to ensure engagement of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 with the drive pin 14b without interference of the stand-by portions 86k1 and 86k2 with the drive pin 14b, but may be another value depending on part precision. However, if the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 are too far from the driving pin 14b, deformation when driving is transmitted to the coupling member 86 may increase. On the other hand, if the protruding amount of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 is increased, the cartridge B and/or the apparatus main assembly A may be upsized. Therefore, the protrusion amount Z15 is preferably within a range of not less than 3 mm and not more than 5 mm.

In this embodiment, the length of the free end portion 86a in the direction of the axis L1 is about 6 mm. Therefore, the length of the base portion (parts other than the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2) of the free end portion 86a is about 2mm, and therefore, the length of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 in the direction of the axis L1 is longer than that of the base portion (except the claw portions 86d1). and the length of the part other than 86d2). Inner diameter of receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 greater than the maximum rotational diameter of the interconnecting portion 86g In this example, Compare 2mm larger.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connection portion 86c includes a substantially spherical portion 86c1 having a pivot center C substantially on the axis L2, arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2, and a hole portion 86b.

The maximum rotation diameter of the connection part 86c greater than the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a In this example, Compare 1mm larger. With regard to the spherical portion, the substantial diameters can be compared, and if it is partially sectioned for ease of molding, the diameter of an imaginary sphere can be compared. The arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 are on an arcuate plane provided by extending an arcuate configuration having the same diameter as the interconnection portion 86g. The hole portion 86b is a through hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. The through hole 86b includes first inclination-regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 and transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 parallel to the axis L2.

The first inclination-regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 have a flat surface configuration equidistant from the center C of the spherical portion 86c1 (Z9=Z9). The transfer portions 86b1 and 86b2 have a flat surface configuration equidistant from the center C of the spherical portion 86c1 (Z8=Z8). The diameter of the pin 88 pivotally supporting the coupling member 86 through the hole portion 86b is 2 mm. Therefore, if Z9 exceeds 1 mm, the link member 86 can be inclined. When Z8 is 1 mm, the pin 88 can pass through the hole portion, and if Z8 exceeds 1 mm, the coupling member 86 can rotate around the axis L1 by a predetermined amount.

End portions of the hole portions 86b of the first inclination-regulated portions 86p1, 86p2 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis L2 extend to the outer edges of the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2. End portions of the hole portions 86b of the transmission portions 86b1, 86b2 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis L2 extend to the outer edge of the spherical portion 86c1.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the interconnection portion 86g has a cylindrical shape connecting the free end portion 86a and the connection portion 86c, and is a cylindrical (or cylindrical) shaft portion extending substantially along the axis L2.

The material of the coupling member 86 in this embodiment may be a resin material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS, liquid crystal polymer. The resin material may contain glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc., or metal inserted therein to enhance rigidity. In addition, the entire coupling member 86 is made of metal or the like. In this embodiment, use of metal is preferable from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the coupling. More particularly, it is manufactured from a zinc die-cast alloy. A part of the spherical surface of the connection portion 86c is cut off at a portion of the free end side 86a close to the interconnection portion 86g. In addition, the configuration of the coupling member is designed such that the total length including the first portion to the third portion is not greater than about 21 mm. The length measured in the longitudinal direction from the pivot center C to the free end portion engaging the main assembly drive pin is not greater than 15 mm. As the distance from the pivot center of the link member decreases, the distance over which the link is retracted from the drive pin decreases when the link is inclined at the same angle. In other words, if the coupling member is shortened in order to miniaturize the cartridge, the pivotable angle required to disengage from the drive pin must be increased. The free end portion 86a, the connecting portion 86c and the interconnecting portion 86g may be integrally molded, or may be provided by joining different parts. In a state where the photosensitive drum, the coupling member and the flange supporting the coupling member are taken out of the cartridge, the coupling member can be inclined in any direction of inclination.

5. The structure of the drum unit

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the structure of the photosensitive drum unit U1 (drum unit U1 ) will be described.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory view of the drum unit U1, wherein sub-figure (a) is a perspective view seen from the driving side, sub-figure (b) is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side, and sub-figure (c) is an exploded perspective view picture. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of assembling the drum unit U1 and the cleaning unit 60 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the drum unit U1 includes a drum 62 , a driving side flange unit U2 for receiving rotational force from a coupling member, a non-driving side flange 64 and a ground plate 65 . The drum 62 as a rotatable member includes a conductive member made of aluminum or the like and a surface photosensitive layer thereon. Drum 62 may be hollow or solid.

A driving side flange unit U2 as a force receiving member to transmit a rotational force thereto from a coupling member is provided at a driving side end portion of the drum 62 . More specifically, as shown in sub-graph (c) of FIG. and fixed to the drum 62 by gluing and/or clamping or the like. When the drive side flange 87 rotates, the drum 62 also rotates integrally therewith. The driving side flange 87 is fixed to the drum 62 such that the rotation axis which is the flange axis of the driving side flange 87 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the drum 62 .

Here, substantially coaxial means completely coaxial or approximately coaxial in which both are slightly deviated due to manufacturing tolerances of components. The same applies to the description below.

Similarly, a non-driving side flange 64 is provided at a non-driving side end portion of the drum 62 substantially coaxially with the drum 62 . In this embodiment, the non-driving side flange 64 is made of a resin material. As shown in sub-view (c) of FIG. 8, the non-driving side flange 64 is fixed to the opening 62a2 at the longitudinal end portion of the drum 62 by bonding and/or clamping or the like. The non-drive side flange 64 is provided with a conductive ground plate 65 (main metal). The ground plate 65 is in contact with the inner surface of the drum 62 and is electrically connected to the apparatus main assembly A. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the drum unit U1 is supported by a cleaning unit 60 .

On the non-driving side of the drum unit U1 , the shaft receiving portion 64 a (part (b) of FIG. 8 ) of the non-driving side flange 64 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 78 . The drum shaft 78 is press-fitted into a support portion 71 b provided on the non-driving side of the cleaning frame 71 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, on the driving side of the drum unit U1, a bearing member 76 for contacting and supporting the flange unit U2 is provided. A wall surface (plate-shaped portion) 76 h serving as a base portion (fixed portion) of the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by screws 90 . In other words, the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by screws. The driving side flange 87 is supported by the cleaning frame 71 and the bearing member 76 (the bearing member 76 will be described later). The support members are respectively provided with protrusions on the inside and outside of the case with respect to the reference surface of the plate-like portion 76h as the bearing member 76 . The bearing member 76 as a support member is a part of the frame of the cartridge, and therefore, the protrusion from the bearing member 76 can be regarded as a frame protrusion (convex portion). Similarly, a protrusion for receiving a pressing force from the main assembly (first protrusion) and a protrusion for mounting a spring (second protrusion) can be regarded as protrusions extending from the frame because the bearing member 76 is mounted to the body of the cartridge frame. In order to secure strength or take into account shrinkage in resin material molding, the bearing member 76 and the cartridge frame may be provided with ribs, grooves and/or weight-reducing recesses provided at certain positions not described.

In this embodiment, the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by screws 90, but it may also be fixed by bonding or by molten resin material. The cleaning frame 71 and the bearing member 76 may be integrally manufactured.

6. Drive side flange unit

Referring to FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , the structure of the driving side flange unit U2 will be described.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U2, in which sub-figure (a) is a view seen from the drive side, and sub-figure (b) is a view seen from the non-drive side. Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of the driving side flange unit U2, wherein sub-figure (a) is a perspective view of the driving side flange unit U2, and sub-figure (b) is along S4- The cross-sectional view taken at S4, sub-figure (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S5-S5 in sub-figure (a) of FIG. 11 . FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of an assembly method for the drive side flange unit U2.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the driving side flange unit U2 includes a coupling member 86 , a pin 88 (shaft), a driving side flange 87 , and a closing member 89 as a regulating member. The coupling member 86 is engageable with the drive head 14 to receive rotational force. The pin 88 has a generally cylindrical (or cylindrical) configuration and extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis L1. The pin 88 receives the rotational force from the coupling member 86 to transmit the rotational force to the driving side flange 87 . The pin 88 as the shaft portion is provided with a rotation regulating portion for restricting the rotation of the coupling member in the direction of the rotational movement by contacting a part of the through hole so as to be transmitted by engaging with the through hole of the coupling member. It is also provided with a pivot regulating portion for limiting the pivoting of the coupling member by contacting a portion of the through shaft so as to limit the pivoting of the pin 88 and the bearing member 86 .

The driving side flange 87 receives driving force from the pin 88 to transmit the rotational force to the drum 62 . The closing member 89 as a regulating member is used to prevent the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 for the drive side flange 87 from coming off. Accordingly, the coupling member 86 can take various postures with respect to the drive side flange 87 . In other words, the coupling member 86 remains pivotable about the pivot center so as to assume a first posture, a second posture different from the first posture, and so on. With regard to the free end portion of the coupling part, it can assume various positions (first position, second position different from the first position).

As described above, the driving side flange unit U2 includes a plurality of parts, and the driving side flange 87 as a first part and the closing part 89 as a second part are integrated into a flange. The drive side flange 87 serves to receive drive from the pin 88 and transmit the drive to the drum 62 . Conversely, the closing member 89 is substantially out of contact with the inside of the drum and supports the pin 88 together with the drive side flange 87 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , constituent elements will be described.

As described above, the coupling member 86 includes the free end portion 86a and the connection portion 86c (accommodated portion). The connection portion 86c is provided with a through-hole portion 86b. The inner side (inner wall) of the hole portion 86b has transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 for transmitting rotational force to the pin 88 . The inner side (inner wall) of the hole portion 86b is also provided with first inclination-controlled portions 86p1 and 86p2 as inclination-regulated portions contacted by the pin 88 to limit the inclination amount of the coupling member 86 (see also the partial view of FIG. 15 ). (b2)). A part of the circumferential surface of the pin 88 as the shaft portion serves as a tilt regulating portion (first tilt regulating portion).

The driving side flange 87 includes a fixing portion 87b, a first cylindrical portion 87j, an annular groove portion 87p and a second cylindrical portion 87h. The fixing portion 87 b is fixed to the drum 62 to transmit the driving force by contacting the inner surface of the cylinder of the drum 62 . The second cylindrical portion 87h is provided inside the first cylindrical portion 87j in the radial direction, and the annular groove portion 87p is provided between the first cylindrical portion 87j and the second cylindrical portion 87h. The first cylindrical portion 87j is provided with a gear portion (helical gear) 87c on the radially outer side, and is provided with a supported portion 87d on the radially inner side (annular groove portion 87p side). From the viewpoint of drive transmission properties, the gear portion 87c is preferably a helical gear, but a spur gear may also be used. The second cylindrical portion 87h of the driving side flange 87 is of a hollow configuration and has a cavity therein as an accommodating portion 87i. The accommodation portion 87i accommodates the connection portion 86c of the coupling member 86 . On the drive side of the accommodation portion 87i, there is provided a conical portion 87k as a disengagement preventing portion (overhang portion) for restricting disengagement of the coupling member 86 toward the drive side by contacting the connection portion 86c. More specifically, the conical portion 87k contacts the outer periphery of the connection portion 86c of the coupling member 86 to prevent detachment of the coupling member. More specifically, the conical portion 87k contacts the substantially spherical portion of the connection portion 86c to prevent detachment of the coupling member 86 . Therefore, the smallest inner diameter of the conical portion 87k is smaller than the inner diameter of the accommodating portion 87i. In other words, the conical portion 87k overhangs from the inner surface of the accommodation portion 87i toward the axis center (hollow portion side) of the coupling member to contact the peripheral surface of the connection portion 86c to prevent disengagement.

In this embodiment, the conical portion 87k has a central axis coaxial with the axis L1, but may also be a spherical surface or cross the axis L1. The driving side of the conical portion 87k is provided with an opening 87m for protruding the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86, and the diameter of the opening 87m greater than the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a On the other driving side of the opening 87m, there is provided a second inclination regulating portion 87n as another inclination regulating portion contacting the outer periphery of the coupling member 86 when the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). More specifically, when the coupling member 86 is inclined, the second inclination regulating portion 87n contacts the interconnection portion 86g as the second inclination regulated portion. The gear portion 87c transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 32 . The supported portion 87d is supported by the supporting portion 76a of the bearing member 76 (supporting member) and is provided on the rear side of the gear 87c with respect to the thickness direction thereof. They are coaxial with the axis L1 of the drum 62 .

This structure makes the inclination angle when the link member 86 contacts the first inclination regulating portion smaller than the inclination angle when the link member 86 contacts the second inclination regulating portion, as will be described later.

The accommodation portion 87i inside the second cylindrical portion 87h is provided with a pair of groove portions 87e (recesses) extending away from each other at 180° around the axis L1 in parallel to the axis L1. The groove portion 87e opens toward the fixed portion 87b in the direction of the axis L1 of the driving side flange 87 and continues to the hollow portion 87i in the diameter direction. The bottom portion of the groove portion 87e is provided with a holding portion 87f as a surface perpendicular to the axis L1. The recess 87e is provided with a pair of receiving portions 87g for receiving rotational force from the pin 88, as will be described later. (At least a part of) the groove portion 87e and (At least a part of) the annular groove portion 87p overlap each other in the direction of the axis L1 (part (b) of FIG. 12 ). Therefore, the drive side flange 87 can be downsized.

The closing member 89 as a regulating member is provided with a conical base portion 89a, a hole portion 89c provided in the base portion 89a, and a pair of protruding portions 89b at positions separated from each other by about 180° around the axis of the base portion. The protruding portion 89b includes a longitudinal direction regulating portion 89b1 at the free end with respect to the direction of the axis L1.

In this embodiment, the driving side flange 87 is a molded resin material produced by injection molding, and its material is polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like. Depending on the load torque, the drive side flange 87 can be made of metal. In this embodiment, the driving side flange 87 is provided with a gear portion 87 c for transmitting rotational force to the developing roller 32 . However, the rotation of the developing roller 32 is not achieved through the drive side flange 87 . In such a case, the gear portion 87c may be omitted. The gear portion 87c is provided in the driving side flange 87 as in this embodiment, and it is preferable that the gear portion 87c is molded integrally with the driving side flange 87 .

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the bearing member 76 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing only the bearing member 76 of the cleaning unit U1 and its surrounding components. Part (a) of Fig. 13 is a perspective view seen from the driving side. Partial figure (b) of Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along line S61-S61 in the partial figure (a) of Figure 13, and partial figure (c) of Figure 13 and partial figure (d) of Figure 13 are perspective views . Part (e) of FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S62-S62 in part (a) of FIG. 13 . Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the bearing member 76, the sub-figure (a) of Fig. 14 is a view seen from the driving side, and the sub-figure (b) of Fig. 14 is a view seen from the non-driving side and also shows for convenience of explanation Drive side flange 87 is out. Part (c) of FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the S71 plane in part (b) of FIG. 14 .

As shown in FIG. 14, the bearing member 76 mainly includes a plate-like portion 76h, a first protruding portion 76j protruding from the plate-like portion 76h in one direction (driving side), and a first protruding portion 76j protruding from the plate-like portion 76h in the other direction (non-driving side). The supporting portion 76a of the second protruding portion protrudes from the shaped portion 76h. The bearing member 76 also includes a cutout portion 76k as an escape portion (receiving portion). The cutout portion 76k as a retreat portion (receiving portion) is recessed from the reference surface of the bearing member 76, and in this embodiment, it is a groove portion extending toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. From the viewpoint of securing the rigidity of the bearing member 76, the recess is preferably in the form of a groove, but the shape is not limited to this example. The recess recessed from the reference surface is called a relief portion because it allows the coupling part to be tilted and retracted, thereby preventing interference between the coupling and the main assembly side drive pin. In other words, the recess recessed from the reference surface is the receiving portion. This is because the inclined coupling part enters the recessed part. A coupling guide on the main assembly side, which will be described later, can enter the recess. It is not necessary for the entire coupling part and/or the coupling guide to enter the recess, but at least a part thereof may enter. Therefore, the recess provided in the cartridge frame is a space for allowing the coupling to retreat and is a receiving portion for receiving the coupling member and the like.

More specifically, it suffices as long as the coupling member inclined downstream with respect to the cartridge installation direction is inclined (retracted) more than in other directions, and the concave portion may have an expanded shape. The shape of the escape portion (receiving portion) is not limited to the groove, but it suffices as long as it is a recess extending beyond the rotation axis of the flange toward the downstream with respect to the cartridge mounting direction. The first protruding portion 76j is provided in a radially inner portion having a hollow portion 76i for accommodating the coupling member 86, the hollow portion 76i being spatially connected with a cutout portion 76k provided in a part of the first protruding portion 76j . A cutout portion 76k as an escape portion is provided downstream of the hollow portion 76i with respect to the installation direction (X2) of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the coupling member 86 can retract (largely pivot) into the cutout portion 76k as a retracting portion.

In addition, the cylindrical support portion 76a enters the annular groove portion 87p of the driving side flange 87 to rotatably support the supported portion 87d.

Further, the first protruding portion 76j is provided with a cylindrical portion 76d and a spring receiving portion 76e serving as a guided portion and a first positioned portion when the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. On the free end side of the cutout portion 76k with respect to the mounting direction (X2), there is provided a free end portion 76f serving as a second positioned portion. The cylindrical portion 76d and the free end portion 76f are arranged at different positions in the direction of the axis L1 with the plate portion 76h and the cutout portion 76k interposed therebetween, and have concentric arcuate configurations of different diameters.

In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 87j, the annular groove portion 87p, the second cylindrical portion 87h, and the groove portion 87e overlap in the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the support portion 76a of the bearing member 76 entering the annular groove portion 87p, the pin 88, the spherical portion 86c1 of the coupling member 86, and the gear portion 87c overlap in the direction of the axis L1. As described above, the bearing member 76 is provided with the cutout portion 76k recessed beyond the plate portion 76h toward the non-driving side, and a part of the coupling member 86 is accommodated in the cutout portion 76k when the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). With such a structure of the surrounding parts of the coupling member 86, it is possible to surely make the inclination (pivot) amount of the coupling member 86 large while reducing the bearing member 76 and/or the coupling member 86 toward the drive side compared to the gear portion 87c. the amount of prominence. Here, overlapping means that when some parts of an object protrude on an imaginary line, the parts are overlapped. In other words, an imaginary plane (reference plane) is determined on which some parts protrude, and if the protruding parts overlap on the imaginary plane, the parts are overlapped.

As shown in sub-graph (e) of FIG. 13, when the coupling member 86 is inclined toward the cutout portion 76k, the outermost portion of the first protruding portion 76j in the direction of the axis L1 is disposed on the coupling member 86 (claw portion 86d1, 86d2) outside. Thereby, the risk that the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling member 86 collide with other portions during transportation can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the developing roller 32 pushes the drum 62 in the direction indicated by the arrow X7, as described above. That is, the drum unit U1 is urged toward the cutout portion 76k. The cut-out side support portion 76aR of the support portion 76a that supports (the driving-side flange 87 of) the drum unit U1 is provided with a cut-out portion 76k. The support portion 76aL on the opposite side not having the cutout portion 76k has higher rigidity than the cutout portion side support portion 76aR. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supported portion 87d is provided on the rear side of the gear portion 87c with respect to the thickness direction to receive the inner surface of the driving side flange 87 . By doing so, the drum unit U1 is substantially supported by the opposite side support portion 76aL. That is, the cut-out side support portion 76aR having less rigidity receives a smaller load so that the support portion 76a is not easily deformed.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the torsion coil spring 91 as the urging means (urging member) is provided at a position that deviates from the axis L1 of the driving side flange 87 with respect to the attaching and detaching direction of the coupling member 86. side and below the axis L1. The torsion coil spring 91 includes a cylindrical coil portion 91c, a first arm 91a and a second arm 91b (first end portion, second end portion) extending from the coil portion 91c. The spring is mounted to the bearing member 76 by the helical portion 91c being supported (locked) by the spring hook portion 76g. The spring hook portion 76g has a cylindrical portion that is higher than the coil portion 91c to prevent the torsion coil spring 91 from coming off from the spring hook portion 76g. The spring hook portion 76g has a portion provided with a substantially D-shaped configuration, and a convex portion penetrates the coil portion 91c, whereby the torsion coil spring 91 is mounted to the case. In the state where the torsion coil spring 91 is installed, the diameter of the coil portion 91c is larger than that of the spring hook portion 76g. The spring hook portion 76g protrudes from the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge frame toward the outside of the cartridge in the direction of the rotation axis of the drive-side flange.

The first arm 91 a of the torsion coil spring 91 contacts the spring receiving portion 76 n of the bearing member 76 , and the second arm 91 b thereof contacts the connecting portion 86 g or the spring receiving portion 86 h of the coupling member 86 . Thereby, the torsion coil spring 91 is urged by the thrust F1 so that the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 faces the cutout portion 76k side. The width Z11 of the cut-out portion 76k is larger than the diameter of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 And therefore, the free end portion 86a has a posture of moving in the up and down direction. The coil portion 91c of the torsion coil spring 91 is below the axis L1, and thus, the free end portion 86a and the coupling member 86 are pushed downward by the thrust F1 and gravity. Thus, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 is inclined toward the cutout portion 76k with respect to the axis L1, and the free end portion 86a is inclined to contact the lower surface 76k1. In this embodiment, the free end portion 86a assumes a position below the axis L1 by the urging force F1 of the torsion coil spring 91 . As will be described hereinafter in connection with FIG. 23 , the coupling member 86 is inclined so that its free end portion 86 a assumes a position lower than the axis L1 .

As described above, the free end portion 86 a of the coupling member 86 is inclined in a direction approaching the drive head 14 by the torsion coil spring 91 . Depending on the installation direction X2, the direction of gravity, the weight of the coupling member 86, etc., the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 is oriented in the X2 direction due to the weight of the coupling member. In such a case, the coupling member 86 can be oriented toward a desired direction by gravity without providing the torsion coil spring 91 as urging means (urging member). The coupling member 86 of this embodiment is urged by the torsion coil spring 91 to contact the lower side surface of the cutout portion 76k in the form of a groove. Thereby, the coupling member is clamped by the torsion coil spring and the lower side surface of the groove so that the posture of the coupling member is stabilized. By appropriately arranging the torsion coil spring 91, for example, the coupling member can contact the upper portion surface of the cutout portion 76k in the form of a groove arrangement. However, the posture of the link can be more stable using gravity than using the thrust of a spring against gravity.

Referring to FIG. 11 , description will be made on a supporting method and a connecting method of each constituent member.

The position of the pin 88 in the longitudinal direction (axis L1) of the drum 62 is limited by the holding portion 87f and the longitudinal direction regulating portion 89b1, and its position in the rotational movement direction (R direction) of the drum 62 is limited by the receiving portion 87g. The pin 88 penetrates the hole portion 86 b of the coupling member 86 . The play between the hole portion 86 b and the pin 88 is set to allow pivoting of the coupling member 86 . With such a structure, the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot, swing, rotate) in any direction with respect to the drive side flange 87 .

By the connection portion 86c of the coupling member 86 being in contact with the accommodation portion 87i, the movement of the drive side flange 87 in the radial direction is restricted. Movement from the drive side towards the non-drive side is restricted by the connection portion 86c contacting the base portion 89a of the closure member 89 . Further, the movement of the coupling member 86 from the non-driving side toward the driving side is restricted by the contact between the spherical portion 86c1 and the conical portion 87k of the driving-side flange 87 . By the contact between the pin 88 and the transmission parts 86b1, 86b2, the movement of the coupling member 86 in the rotational movement direction (R direction) is restricted. As a result, the coupling member 86 is connected to the drive-side flange 87 and the pin 88 .

Here, as shown in sub-graph (d) of FIG. 11, the width Z12 of the hole portion 86b is larger than the diameter of the pin 88 By doing so, the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 are connected to each other with play in the rotational movement direction (R direction) of the drum 62, and therefore, the coupling member 86 can rotate around the axis L by a predetermined amount.

As described above, the position of the coupling member 86 in the direction of the axis L1 is limited by contacting the base portion 89a or the conical portion 87k, but the coupling member 86 is able to move in the direction of the axis L1 through the a short distance.

Referring to Fig. 12, an assembling method of the driving side flange unit U2 will be described.

As shown in sub-view (a) of FIG. 12 , the pin 88 is inserted into the through-hole portion 86 b of the coupling member 86 .

Then, as shown in sub-graph (a) of FIG. 87e.

As shown in sub-figure (b) of Figure 12, a pair of protruding portions 89b of the closure member 89 as the control member are inserted into a pair of groove portions 87e, and in this state, the closure member 9 is welded or bonded. 8 is secured to the drive side flange 87.

In this embodiment, the diameter of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 Less than the diameter of the opening 87m Thereby, the coupling member 86, the pin 88, and the closing member 89 can all be assembled to the drive side, and therefore easy to assemble. In addition, the diameter of the connecting portion 86c smaller than the diameter of the opening 87m, whereby the spherical surface portion 86c1 and the conical portion 87k can contact each other. Thereby, the coupling member 86 can be prevented from coming off toward the driving side, and the coupling member 86 can be held with high precision. because Therefore, the driving side flange unit U2 can be easily assembled, and the position of the coupling member 86 can be held with high precision.

7. Tilting (pivoting) operation of the coupling

Referring to FIG. 15 , the tilting (pivoting) operation of the coupling member 86 will be described.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 (including the axis L2 ) with respect to the axis L1 . Partial views ( a1 ) and ( a2 ) of FIG. 15 are perspective views of the process cartridge B in a state where the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). Part (b1) of FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line S7-S7 in (a1) of FIG. 15 . Part (b2) of FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line S8-S8 in (a2) of FIG. 15 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , tilting (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 about the center of the spherical portion of the connecting portion 86c will be described.

As shown in sub-views (a1) and (b1) of FIG. 15 , the coupling member 86 can be inclined about the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 with respect to the center of the spherical portion of the connecting portion 86c. More specifically, the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) to such an extent that the second tilt-regulated portion (part of the interconnection portion 86g) contacts the second tilt-regulating portion 87n of the driving side flange 87 . Here, the inclination (pivot) angle with respect to the axis L1 is a second inclination angle θ2 (second inclination amount, second angle). The phase relationship between the hole portion 86b and the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 is selected such that when the coupling member 86 is tilted about the axis of the pin 88, either the claw portion 86d1 or the claw portion 86d2 is inclined relative to the direction of the coupling member 86 (arrow direction of X7) to take the leading position. More specifically, the hole portion 86b and the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 are arranged such that the free end portion 86d11 of the claw portion 86d1 is not less than 59° and not more than 77° (partition of FIG. 11 ) with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the hole portion 86b. θ6 and θ7 in Figure (e). The angles θ6 and θ7 are not limited to the examples, and are preferably within a range of not less than about 55° and not more than about 125°. With such a structure, when one of the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 is in the leading position relative to the inclination of the coupling member 86, the pin 88 takes a large angular position (not less than about 55° and not more than about 125°). Then, the coupling member 86 can be tilted to a second tilt amount or an amount close thereto, that is, it can be tilted to a larger amount than the first tilt amount to be described below. Therefore, the free end portion 86d11 can largely recede in the direction of the axis L1.

As shown in sub-figures (a2) and (b2) of FIG. 15 , the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) to the first position with respect to the axis L1 about the center of the spherical portion of the connecting portion 86c around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88. The extent to which the slanted regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 contact the pin 88 is. Due to the above-described phase relationship between the hole portion 86b (pin 88 ) and the claw portions 86d1, 86d2, the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 . At this time, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are in positions facing each other in the direction of inclination across the coupling member 86 (the direction of the arrow X8). The inclination (pivot) angle with respect to the axis L1 is a first inclination angle θ1 (first inclination amount, first angle). In this embodiment, the coupling member 86 , the driving side flange 87 and the pin 88 are configured such that the first inclination angle θ1 < the second inclination angle θ2 is satisfied, the reason for which will be described below with reference to FIG. 25 .

By a combination of tilting (pivoting) about the axis of the pin 88 and tilting (pivoting) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 , the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) in a direction other than the above-mentioned direction. Since tilting (pivoting) in any direction is provided by combination, the tilting (pivoting) angle in any direction is not smaller than the first tilting angle θ1 and not larger than the second tilting angle θ2. In other words, the link can pivot not less than the first inclination angle θ1 (first pivot angle) and not more than the second inclination angle (second pivot angle).

In this way, the coupling member 86 is able to tilt (pivot) in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. In other words, the coupling member 86 is capable of tilting (pivoting) in any direction with respect to the axis L1. That is, the coupling member 86 is capable of swinging in any direction with respect to the axis L1. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 is capable of rotating in any direction relative to the axis L1. Here, the rotation of the coupling member 86 is a revolution of the tilt (pivot) axis L2 about the axis L1.

As described above, the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 determine the first inclination angle θ1, and the interconnection portion 86g has a size determining the second inclination angle θ2. Therefore, the diameters of the interconnection portion 86g and the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 may be different from each other, but they are the same in this embodiment.

8. The driving part of the main assembly of the device

16 to 18, the structure of the cartridge driving portion of the apparatus main assembly A will be described.

Fig. 16 is the driving part of the device main assembly A seen from the upstream inside of the device main assembly A with respect to the mounting direction (X2 direction) of the process cartridge B (the vicinity of the driving head 14 in the sub-graph (a) of Fig. 4 ) perspective view. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the driving part, and the sub-figure (a) of Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged view of the driving part, and the sub-figure (b) of Fig. 18 is a sectional plane along the sub-figure (a) of Fig. 18 Sectional view taken from S9-S9.

The cartridge drive portion includes the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion, the first side plate 350, the holder 300, the drive gear 355, and the like.

As shown in sub-graph (b) of FIG. 18, the drive shaft 14a of the drive head 14, which is the engaging portion on the main assembly side, is non-rotatably fixed to the drive gear 355 by means (not shown). Therefore, when the drive gear 355 rotates, the drive head 14, which is the engaging portion on the main assembly side, also rotates. The drive shaft 14a is rotatably supported by the support portion 300a of the holder 300 and the bearing 354 at the respective end portions.

17 and 18 (b), a motor 352 as a driving source is mounted to the second side plate 351, and a pinion 353 is provided on its rotation shaft. The pinion gear 353 engages with the drive gear 355 . Therefore, when the motor 352 rotates, the drive gear 355 rotates, and the drive head 14, which is the engaging portion on the main assembly side, also rotates. The second side plate 351 and the holder 300 are fixed to the first side plate 350 .

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the guide member 12 as a guide mechanism includes a first guide member 12 a and a second guide member 12 b for guiding the installation of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. At an end of the first guide member 12a with respect to the cartridge mounting direction (X2 direction), a mounting end portion 12c perpendicular to the X2 direction is provided. The guide member 12 is also fixed to the first side plate 350 .

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the holder 300 is provided with a support portion 300 a for rotatably supporting the drive shaft 14 a of the drive head 14 as a main assembly side engagement portion, and a coupling guide 300 b. The coupling guide 300b is positioned downstream of the support portion 300a (rear side of the main assembly) with respect to the installation direction of the process cartridge B (X2 direction), and is provided with an interconnection portion 300b1 and a guide portion 300b2. Here, the interconnection portion 300b1 has a diameter around the axis L3 of The arc configuration, where the diameter selected to be larger than the maximum rotational diameter of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 The free end portion of the guide portion 300b2 has a diameter around the axis L3 of arc configuration. diameter The interconnection portion 86g with respect to the coupling member 86 is determined to provide a predetermined gap S therebetween. When the process cartridge B is rotated, a predetermined gap S is set in consideration of tolerances and the like to prevent interference between the interconnection portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2 (which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 ).

9. Installation of the process box to the main assembly of the device

Referring to Fig. 19 to Fig. 22, the mounting of the process cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A will be described. In FIG. 19 , components other than those necessary to describe the mounting operation are omitted.

Part (a) of Fig. 19, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 is a view of the main assembly A of the device seen from the outside of the driving side. Part (b) of FIG. 21 is a perspective view in the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 21 . Fig. 22 is a detailed explanatory view of the vicinity of the coupling member 86 when the operation of mounting the process cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A has been completed. In FIG. 22 , the apparatus main assembly A is shown having the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion, the coupling guide 300 b of the holder 300 and the guide member 12 , and the other parts are parts of the process cartridge B.

In sub-view (a1) of FIG. 22, the process cartridge B is in the installation completion position, and the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). In subview (a2) of FIG. 22, the process cartridge B is at the installation completion position, and the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 is substantially coaxial with the axis L3 of the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion. Part ( a3 ) of FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the coupling member 86 and the coupling guide 300 b when the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). Partial views ( b1 ) to ( b3 ) of FIG. 22 are cross-sectional views taken along line S10 - S10 in partial views ( a1 ) to ( a3 ) of FIG. 22 , respectively.

As shown in FIG. 19, the guide member 12 as a guide mechanism of the apparatus main assembly A is provided with a pull spring 356 as a urging member (elastic member). The pull spring 356 is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft 320c of the guide member 12, and its position is limited by the stoppers 12d and 12e. The operation portion 356a of the pull spring 356 is urged in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 19 .

As shown in FIG. 19, when the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, it is inserted so that the first arc portion 76d of the process cartridge B moves along the first guide member 12a, and the rotation of the process cartridge B stops. The movable protrusion 71c moves along the second guide member 12b. The first arcuate portion 76d of the process cartridge contacts the guide groove on the main assembly side, and at this time, the coupling member 86 is inclined toward the downstream in the mounting direction (X2 direction) by the torsion coil spring 91 as the urging member (elastic member). . Here, the coupling member 86 is covered by the first arc portion 76d of the bearing member 76 . Thus, the process cartridge B can be inserted into the vicinity of the mounting completion position in this state without interfering with any part of the apparatus main assembly A in the insertion path for the process cartridge B.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the process cartridge B is further inserted in the direction of arrow X2 in the figure, the spring receiving portion 76e of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the operating portion 356a of the pull spring 356. Thereby, the operating portion 356a is elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow H in the figure.

Subsequently, the process cartridge B is mounted to a predetermined position (installation completed position) (Fig. 21). At this time, the first arcuate portion 76d of the process cartridge B contacts the first guide member 12a of the guide member 12, and the front end portion 76f with respect to the mounting direction contacts the mounting end portion 12c. Similarly, the rotation stopper projection 71c of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the positioning surface 12h of the guide member 12 as a guide mechanism. In this way, the position of the process cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A is determined.

At this time, the operating portion 356a of the pull spring 356 presses the spring receiving portion 76e of the process cartridge B in the direction of the arrow J in the figure to ensure the contact between the first arcuate portion 76d and the first guide member 12a and Contact between the front end portion 76f and the mounting end portion 12c. Thus, the process cartridge B is correctly positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly A. As shown in FIG.

As described above, when the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the coupling member 86 is engaged with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion (FIG. 5), thereby completing the mounting of the process cartridge B to the main assembly.

As shown in sub-graphs (a1) and (b1) of FIG. 22, even when the installation of the process cartridge B is completed, the coupling member 86 tends to be inclined (pivoted) in the installation direction (X2 direction) by the torsion coil spring 91. . In other words, the torsion coil spring 91 continues to apply an urging force to the coupling member 86 (generally toward the downstream with respect to the cartridge installation direction) even after the installation is completed. At this time, the interconnection portion 86g contacts the guide portion 300b2 of the coupling guide 300b, so that the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is restricted. By limiting the amount of inclination of the coupling member 86, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 contact the drive pin 14b of the drive head 14 at the same time. More particularly, the claw portions are arranged at substantially point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotational axis of the coupling member. When the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling part 86 in this state, the axis L2 of the coupling part 86 is substantially aligned with the axis L3 of the drive head 14 by the force coupling and the contact between the spherical surface part 14c and the conical part 86f, as Figure 22 sub-graphs (a2) and (b2) shown. Also, the above-mentioned gap S is provided between the interconnection portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2 so that the coupling member 86 can rotate stably.

When the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is not restricted, one of the paired claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 may not contact the drive pin 14b. In such a case, the aforementioned force coupling is not provided, with the result that the axis L2 of the coupling part 86 cannot be aligned with the axis L3 of the drive head 14 .

Even when the coupling member 86 is in the tilted (pivoting) state, the coupling guide 300b1 does not interfere with the coupling member 86 during mounting and demounting of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. In order to achieve this, the coupling guide 300b is provided on the non-driving side of the free end portion 86a (partial views (a3) and (b3) of FIG. 22). The cutout portion 76k of the bearing member 76 is further recessed to the non-driving side of the guide portion 300b2, thereby avoiding interference with the guide portion 300b2. In addition, a width Z11 of the cutout portion 76k of the bearing member 76 measured in a direction perpendicular to the line S10-S10 is larger than a width Z14 of the coupling guide 300b. Thereby, the size of the cartridge can be reduced while suppressing interference between the coupling guide and the cartridge.

In this embodiment, the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 by the torsion coil spring 91 is restricted by the coupling guide 300b. However, as described above, the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 may be achieved by another means than the torsion coil spring 91 . For example, when the coupling member 86 is inclined due to its weight, the coupling guide 300b may be disposed on the lower side. As described above, the coupling guide 300b may be provided at a position where the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is limited in the installation of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

10. Engagement and disengagement of the coupling member during the detachment operation of the process cartridge

Referring to FIG. 24, description will be given of dismounting the process cartridge B from the apparatus main assembly A starting from the mounting completion position of the process cartridge B when the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion.

A description will be given of an example of this embodiment in which the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling member 86 are at upstream and downstream positions, respectively, with respect to the detachment direction, as shown in FIG. 24 . In this embodiment, in this state, the phase relationship between the hole portion 86b penetrated by the pin 88 and the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 is such that the axis of the pin 88 is substantially perpendicular to the detachment direction (X3 direction). Part (a1) of FIG. 24 shows a state in which the coupling member 86 is detached from the main assembly A which occurs when the process cartridge B is detached from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Parts (a1) to (a4) of Fig. 24 are perspective views seen from the outside of the driving side, and parts (b1) to (b4) of Fig. 24 are respectively along the points (a1) to (a4) of Fig. 24 ) A cross-sectional view taken along the line S12-S12. In FIG. 24, similarly to FIG. 22, the apparatus main assembly A is shown to have the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion, the coupling guide 300b of the holder 300, and the guide member 320, and the other parts are process cartridges Parts of B.

The process cartridge B is moved in the dismounting direction (X3 direction) from the state where the coupling member 86 is engaged with the drive head 14 shown in sub-views (a1) and (b1). Then, as shown in sub-graphs (a2) and (b2) of FIG. 24, (the axis L2 of) the coupling member 86 is inclined (pivoted) with respect to the axis L1 and the axis L3, while the process cartridge B is in the detachment direction (X3 direction) on sports. At this time, the amount of inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is determined by the contact of the free end portion 86a to the respective portions of the drive head 14 (the drive shaft 14a, the drive pin 14b, the spherical surface portion 14c, and the free end portion 14d). .

When the process cartridge B is further moved in the dismounting direction (X3 direction), the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion, as shown in sub-views (a3) and (b3) of FIG. 24 . The coupling member 86 is urged by a torsion coil spring 91 as urging means (urging member), whereby it further tilts (pivots). The inclination angle of the coupling member 86 urged by the torsion coil spring as the urging member is larger than the inclination angle in directions other than the urging direction.

The inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is restricted by the contact between the second inclination regulating portion 87n and the interconnection portion 86g. The maximum rotational diameter of the interconnection part 86g And the second inclination angle θ2 is determined so that the coupling member 86 can incline (pivot) to a certain degree, so that the upstream claw portion 86d1 with respect to the dismounting direction can be positioned beyond the free end portion of the drive head 14 on the non-drive side Section 14d. By doing so, as shown in sub-views (a4) and (b4) of FIG. 24, the process cartridge B can be detached from the apparatus main assembly A when the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion.

In the case where the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are in a phase other than the above-mentioned phase, the coupling member 86 avoids the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion by tilting (pivoting) and/or the above-mentioned rotation or by a combination of these movements. parts of . By avoiding movement, the coupling member 86 can be disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion. As shown in sub-views (a1) and (b1) of FIG. 23 , in the case where the axial direction of the drive pin 14b and the detachment direction (X3 direction) are approximately perpendicular to each other, inclination occurs so that the free end portion 86b is oriented away from The dismounting direction (X2 direction), so that the claw portion 86d1 avoids the driving pin 14b in the non-driving side direction. Alternatively, when the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are opposed to each other intervening in the detachment direction (X3 direction), as shown in sub-views (a2) and (b2) of FIG. It moves in a direction (X6 direction) parallel to the axial direction of the drive pin 14b. Thereby, the claw portion 86d1 can avoid the driving pin 14b in the direction indicated by the arrow X6. In such a case, the free end portion 86a must be moved below the axis L3 and the axis L1, therefore, the position of the lower surface 76k1 of the bearing member 76 is determined as described above, and the direction of the thrust of the torsion coil spring 91 is determined. so that the free end portion 86a is oriented downwards. Here, down, under, and downward need not be limited to those directions based on the direction of gravity. More specifically, it suffices as long as the free end portion 86a can move in a direction necessary to place the claw portion 86d1 on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction (upstream side with respect to the detaching direction) to avoid the driving pin 14b. Therefore, in the case where the rotational movement direction R of the drum 62 is opposite to that of this embodiment, the claw portion placed on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction is on the upper side, and therefore, the movement direction of the free end portion 86a is upward. . Therefore, in the case where the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are placed in the upper and lower positions across the installation direction X2 of the coupling member 86, it is preferable that the free end portion 86a can move toward the claw portions, thereby moving from the drive pin 14b. The direction of the received rotational force is the same as the installation direction. In both examples shown in FIG. 23 , the angle of inclination (pivoting) required before releasing the coupling member 86 from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion may be smaller than the second angle of inclination θ2 shown in FIG. 24 . In this embodiment, in the case shown in sub-views (a2) and (b2) of FIG. 23, the phase relationship between the hole portion 86b of the coupling member 86 and the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 is determined so that the inclination (pivot The rotation angle is the first inclination angle θ1. Part ( b1 ) of FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S11 - S11 in part ( a1 ) of FIG. 23 . Part (b2) of FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line S11-S11 in part (a2) of FIG. 23 .

The dimensions of each part in this embodiment will be described.

As shown in Figure 6, the diameter of the free end portion 86a is The diameter of the interconnection portion 86g is The ball diameter of the substantially spherical connecting portion 86c is The diameter of rotation of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 is In addition, the ball diameter of the free end portion of the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engaging portion is The length of the drive pin 14b is Z5. In addition, as shown in sub-graphs (b1) and (b2) of FIG. The tiltable (pivotable) amount (first tilt angle) of the axis of the axis is θ1. The gap between the interconnection portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2 is S when the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial.

In this example, Z5=8.6mm, θ1 = 30°, θ2 = 40°, and S = 0.15 mm.

These dimensions are examples and do not constitute limitations of the invention as long as similar operations are possible. More specifically, it is sufficient as long as θ1 and θ2 are not less than about 20° and not more than about 60°. Preferably, they are not less than 25° and not more than 45°. Further preferably, θ1<θ2 is satisfied, and θ1 is not less than about 20° and not more than about 35°, and θ2 is not less than about 30° and not more than about 60°. The difference between θ1 and θ2 is not less than about 3° and not more than about 20°, preferably, the difference between θ1 and θ2 is not less than about 5° and not more than about 15°. It should be considered that the angles θ1 and θ2 are designed so that, as shown in FIG. The driving side goes beyond the guide portion 300b2. With such a design, the coupling 86 can be properly engaged with the drive head 14 . The free end portion is the front end portion 86d11 of the claw portion 86d1 when the inclination angle of the coupling member 86 is the second inclination angle θ2, and is the standby portion 86k1 when the inclination angle of the coupling member 86 is the first inclination angle θ1. . Since the standby portion 86k1 is closer to the rotation axis C than the front end portion 86d11, as long as the first inclination angle θ1<the second inclination angle θ2 is satisfied, the position of the front end portion in the direction of the axis L1 when the coupling member 86 is inclined can be akin. Thus, it is not necessary to widen the gap between the drive head 14 and the guide portion 300b2, enabling the apparatus main assembly A and/or cartridge B to be miniaturized.

by satisfying Assembly is easy, as in this example. Furthermore, by considering the minimum diameter of the conical portion 87k as the detachment preventing portion (overhang portion, detachment preventing portion) I'm satisfied The position of the coupling member 86 in the drive-side flange unit U2 can be determined with high precision.

According to this embodiment, the conventional cartridge which is detachable out of the main assembly after being moved in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the main assembly side engaging portion can be further improved.

<Example 2>

This embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, except for the free end portion 286a of the coupling member 286, the drive head 214, and the coupling guide 400b, the structures of other components are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore, by assigning the same descriptions of these other components are omitted. Even if the same reference numerals are given, the parts can be partially modified so as to match the structure of this embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 as the main assembly side engaging portion. Partial figure (a) of Figure 26 is a side view, partial figure (b) of Figure 26 is a perspective view, and partial figure (c) of Figure 26 is along the line S21-S21 in the partial figure (a) of Figure 26 interception cross-sectional view. Part (d) of FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S22-S22 in part (a) of FIG. center.

As shown in FIG. 26, the configuration of the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 of the coupling member 286 is different from that of the first embodiment. The claw portions 286d1, 286d2 have respective flat inner wall surfaces 286s1, 286s2 facing toward the axis L2, and the width Z21 of the receiving portions 286e1, 286e2 in the diameter direction is larger than that of Embodiment 1. More particularly, the pawl portions 286d1, 286d2 are wider in the diameter direction than in Embodiment 1. FIG. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the inner wall surfaces 286s1, 286s2 around the axis L2 greater than the diameter of the drive shaft 214a of the drive head 214 Here, in the axial direction of the driving pins 214b1, 214b2 (the direction perpendicular to the axis L2 (L3)), the overlap between the driving pins 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving portions 286e1, 286e2 in sub-view (d) of FIG. The amount is called the engagement amount Z23.

On the other hand, at the base of the drive pin 214b, the drive head 214 is provided with a receiving spherical surface portion 214c and a recess 214e recessed from the drive shaft 214a on the downstream side of the drive pin 214b with respect to the direction of rotational movement (R direction).

Referring to FIG. 27, the engaging and disengaging operations between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 when the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A and when the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main assembly A will be described in detail. Operations specific to this embodiment will be described. At this time, the phases of the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 deviate from the detachment direction of the cartridge B (X3 direction) by a predetermined amount θ4, for example, θ4=60°, which will be described.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view of the operation of the coupling member 286 when the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main assembly A. FIG. Sub-views (a1) to (a4) of Figure 27 are views seen from the outside of the drive side of the main assembly A, showing the disassembly of the process cartridge B from the apparatus main assembly A in this order. Partial views (b1) to (b4) of FIG. 27 are sectional views taken along line S23-S23 in partial views (a1) to (a4) of FIG. 27 seen from the bottom. For better illustration, coupling member 286, drive head 214, and pin 88 are not in cross-section.

27, when the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge B is first in the installation completion position in the apparatus main assembly A where the coupling member 286 is engaged with the drive head 214. In many cases, the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main assembly A after a series of image forming operations is completed. At this time, the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 of the coupling member contact the driving pins 214b1 and 214b2, respectively.

From this state, the cartridge B moves in the detaching direction (X3 direction), as shown in sub-views (a2) and (b2) of FIG. 27 . When the axis L2 of the coupling member 286 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the drive side flange 87 and the axis L3 of the drive head 214, the cartridge B moves in the detachment direction (X3 direction). At this time, the claw portion 286d1 (receiving portion 286e1 ) on the downstream side of the drive pin 214b1 with respect to the detachment direction (X3 direction) remains in contact with the drive pin 214b1.

The cartridge B is further moved in the detachment direction (X3 direction), as shown in sub-views (a3) and (b3) of FIG. 27 . Then, the axis L2 is further inclined (pivoted) so that the first inclination-regulated portions 286p1 and 286p2 (not shown) and the pin 88 as the first inclination regulating portion come into contact with each other, or the second inclination regulating portion 87n and the pin 88 as the second The interconnection portions 286g of the tilt-regulated portions are in contact with each other, similarly to the first embodiment. Thereby, inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 286 is restricted. In the case of the phase (θ=60°) of the drive pin 214b and the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 shown in FIG. Stay in touch. This is because the movement distance of the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 toward the non-driving side by inclination (pivoting) of the axis L2 is small.

At this time, since the drive head 214 is provided with the cutout portion 214e, the coupling member 286 is tilted (pivoted) in the direction of the arrow X5 to move the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 along the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2.

As shown in sub-views (a4) and (b4) of FIG. 27, by the claw portion 286d2 entering the cutout portion 214e, the coupling member 286 is further inclined (pivoted) in the direction of the arrow X5. By inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 286, the contact between the claw portion 286d1 and the driving pin 214b1 is released in the direction of the arrow X5. Thus, the process cartridge B can be detached from the apparatus main assembly A. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, compared with Embodiment 1, the width Z21 of the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 is larger. More specifically, the width of the base portion is about 1.5 mm. With this structure, the engagement amount Z23 between the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving portions 286e1, 286e2 in the axial direction of the drive pin 214b (part (d) of FIG. 26 ) is larger than in Embodiment 1. Thereby, the engagement between the pair of applying portions and the pair of receiving portions is ensured, thereby achieving stable transfer regardless of factors such as variations in component accuracy. By increasing the width of the base portion of the receiving portion, the transmission of the driving force can be stabilized, but if the width is too large, the driving head may be interfered, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, it is preferable that the angle between the axis of rotation and the line connecting the end portions of the convex portion in an imaginary flat plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling member and including the receiving portion for receiving the driving force from the engagement portion Not less than about 10° and not more than about 30°. In consideration of rigidity for receiving the drive, the width of the base portion is 1.0 mm or more.

desired even when the engagement amount Z23 is greater than the inner diameter of the jaw portion and the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the drive head 214 The clearance between the cutout portion 214e is also sufficient to allow disengagement between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214. Therefore, it is arranged to allow a large tilt (pivot) of the link member 86 in the direction of the arrow X5. Here, a large inclination means that the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 can move toward the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 by a distance greater than the engagement amount Z23.

Referring to Fig. 28, the structure of the coupling guide 400b in this embodiment will be described. The structure of the coupling guide 400b is similar to Embodiment 1, but the gap S2 between the interconnection portion 286g of the coupling member 286 and the coupling guide 400b is different from the first embodiment.

28 is an explanatory view of the coupling guide 400b, and sub-views (a1) and (b1) of FIG. 28 show a state where the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A and the axis L2 of the coupling member 286 is kept tilted (pivoted). Partial views ( a2 ) and ( b2 ) of FIG. 28 show a state where the axis L2 is aligned with the axis L1 and the axis L3 . Part ( b1 ) of FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line S24 - S24 in part ( a1 ) of FIG. 28 . Part (b2) of FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line S24-S24 in part (a2) of FIG. 28 .

As shown in sub-views (a1) and (b1) of FIG. 28, the coupling guide 400b can limit the inclination (pivot) of the coupling part 286 so that the drive pin can be held even when the coupling part 286 is tilted (pivot). 214b and jaw portion 286d1. In this embodiment, the engaging amount Z23 is larger than that in Embodiment 1, as described above. In this embodiment, the gap S2 in the sub-graph (b2) of FIG. 28 is larger than the gap S in Embodiment 1 (the sub-graph (b2) of FIG. 22). Despite such conditions, the engagement between the drive pin 214b1 and the receiving portion 286e1 remains accurately transmitting the rotation even when the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 increases. In this way, the gap S2 can be made larger than in Embodiment 1, and therefore, the dimensional accuracy requirements of the interconnection portion 286g and/or the guide portion 400b2 can be relaxed.

As described above, the engaging amount Z23 between the driving pins 214b1, 214b2 and the claw portions 286d1, 286d2 is increased, and the driving head 214 is provided with the cutout portion 214e. By doing so, when the cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main assembly A, the engagement between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 can be released. In addition, with the structure of this embodiment, the gap S2 between the coupling guide 400b and the interconnection portion 286g can be increased compared to Embodiment 1, whereby the required dimensional accuracy can be relaxed.

<Example 3>

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of the coupling member 386 and the drive head 314 as the main assembly side engaging portion. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of the R configuration portion 386g1 and shows a state where the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. FIG. FIG. 31 is an explanatory view of the bearing member 387 and the coupling member 386 and is a perspective view and a sectional view.

The coupling member 386 is provided with lightening portions 386c2-386c9 in the connection portion 386c, which is different from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The interconnection portion 386g has a smaller diameter and a smaller thickness defined by the spring receiving portion 386h and the receiving surface 386f. Material can thus be saved.

In providing the lightening portions 386c2-386c9, it is preferable that the spherical portion 386c1 is held uniformly in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, connecting portion 386c is configured such that the clearance of spherical portion 386c1 provided by weight-reducing portions 386c2-386c9 and aperture portion 386b is less than a continuous 90°. The spherical portion may be substantially spherical for reasons of weight reduction and/or manufacturing tolerances. With the above-described structure of the connection portion 386c, the position of the coupling member 86 in the driving side flange unit U32 can be stabilized. In particular, the position of the coupling member can be stabilized at the position of the line S14-S14 supported by the receiving portion 87i and the position opposite to the conical portion 87k and the base portion 89a, as shown in sub-view (c) of FIG. 29 .

The arcuate surface portion 386q1 and the arcuate surface portion 386q2 have different diameters from each other.

As shown in FIG. 30, an R (rounded) configuration 386g1 is provided between the interconnection portion 386g and the spring receiving portion 386h. As described above, in the driving side flange unit U32, there is provided play for allowing a small amount of movement of the coupling member 386 in the direction of the axis L1. When the coupling member 386a is displaced to the non-driving side within the range of play, the engagement amount Z38 between the driving pin 314b and the claw portions 386d1, 386d2 in the direction of the axis L1 decreases. Here, the engagement amount Z38 is the distance in the direction of the axis L3 between the center point of the arcuate arrangement of the drive pin 314b and the free end of the claw portion 386d1. In addition, when the coupling member 386 is inclined to such an extent that the interconnection portion 386g and the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b contact each other, the engagement amount Z38 between the drive pin 314b and the claw portions 386d1, 386d2 is reduced, with the result that the Detrimental effects on driving force transmission. However, by providing the R configuration portion 386g1, when the coupling member 386 is displaced toward the non-driving side, the free end portion of the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b is contacted by the R configuration portion 386g1. Thereby, the inclination of the coupling member 386 can be reduced compared to the case where the interconnection portion 86g contacts the guide portion 300b2 as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the provision of the R configuration portion 386g1 effectively prevents a decrease in the engagement amount Z38 attributable to the displacement of the coupling member 386 toward the non-driving side and an engagement amount Z38 attributable to the inclination of the coupling member 386. decrease occurs simultaneously. The R-configuration portion 386g1 is not limited to an arcuate configuration, but may be a conical surface configuration with similar effect.

As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the claw portions 386d1 and 386d2 have flat surfaces at the free end portions, thus increasing the thickness in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing the force of the claw portions 386d1 and 386d2 during drive transmission. out of shape. In addition, in order to define a portion pressed by the torsion coil spring 91, the spring receiving portion 386h is provided with a spring receiving groove 386h1 (see also sub-view (d) of FIG. 30). The portion of the spring 91 that contacts the second arm 91b is regulated, and by applying lubricant thereto, the sliding between the second arm 91b and the coupling member 386 is achieved with the grease always present therebetween, thus reducing the friction of these parts. Scratching and sliding noises. The coupling member 386 is made of metal, and the torsion coil spring 91 is also made of metal. In a state where the coupling member 386 is rotated by the driving force received from the main assembly side engagement portion 314 , the torsion coil spring 91 continues to apply the urging force to the coupling member. Therefore, during the image forming operation, sliding occurs between metal parts, and in order to reduce the influence thereof, it is preferable to provide lubricant at least between the coupling part 386 and the torsion coil spring 91 .

On the other hand, as shown in sub-view (b) of FIG. 29, the driving pin 314b of the main assembly side engaging portion 314 does not have to be a cylindrical configuration member. The diameter of the spherical surface portion 314c larger than the diameter of the spherical surface portion 14c in Embodiment 1 and the diameter of the drive shaft 314a The reason is that it touches the thinner receiving surface 386f than in Example 1. For sliding engagement (and disengagement) with the coupling member 386, a tapered portion 314e1 is provided at a stepped portion located exactly between the cutout portion 314e and the drive shaft 314a.

The diameter of the free end portion of the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b shown in FIG. 30 is smaller than Embodiment 1 because the diameter of the interconnection portion 386g is smaller than Embodiment 1.

Referring to Fig. 31, the bearing member 376 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 31, the width Z32 of the cut-out portion 376k of the bearing member 376 is larger than the diameter of the free end portion 386a. This is similar to Embodiment 1 so that the free end portion 386a is oriented downward with respect to the installation direction X2 and the axis L1. On the other hand, the plate-like portion 376h is provided at a position closer to the driving side than in Embodiment 1. Therefore, when the coupling member 386 is inclined, the outermost circumference of the free end portion 386a ( The portion) contacts the lower surface 376k1 of the cutout portion 376k. Thereby, the downward inclination of the coupling member 386 is restricted regardless of the inclination angle of the coupling member 386, and therefore, the engagement with the main assembly side engaging portion 314b is further stabilized. (In Embodiment 1, the conical spring receiving portion 87h contacts the lower surface 76k1, and therefore, depending on the inclination angle of the coupling member 86, the amount of downward inclination of the coupling member 86 is different.)

The spring hook portion 376g includes a holding portion 376g1, an insertion opening 376g2, and a supporting portion 376g3. The insertion opening 376g2 and the support portion 376g3 are connected to each other by the tapered portion 376g4 so that the spring 91 can slide smoothly in the direction of the arrow X10. The outermost diameter Z33 of the holding portion 376g1 and the insertion opening 376g2 and the outermost diameter of the supporting portion 376g3 are smaller than the diameter of the coil portion 91c of the spring 91 By the above structure of the spring hook portion 376g, the coil portion 91c can easily slide around the spring hook portion 376g, and the movement of the coil portion 91c in the direction of disengaging from the holding portion 376g1 by the support portion 376g3 can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the spring 91 coming off from the spring hook portion 376g. The snap hook portion 376g does not protrude outward (drive side) beyond the first protruding portion 376j, thereby reducing the likelihood of the snap hook portion 376g being damaged during shipping.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the retaining portion 376g1 is arranged on a side opposite to the spring hook portion 376g across the coupling member 386 (lower left side in sub-view (a) of FIG. 31 ).

In short, the reaction force received by the torsion coil spring 91 (the resultant force of the force F91a received by the first arm 91a and the force F91b received by the second arm 91b) is toward the coupling member 386 side (partition (a) of FIG. 31 ) in the upper right) orientation. Thereby, the helical portion 91c is displaced toward the coupling member 386 . Therefore, the above-mentioned position of the holding portion 376g is effective in securing the mounting property of the torsion coil spring 91 to prevent it from coming off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in sub-view (c) of FIG. 31 , when the coupling member 386 is inclined to be close to the side of the helical portion 91c, the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the force F91a and the force F91b cancel each other out, and therefore, the reaction force received by the torsion coil spring 91 is reduced. In this way, the force F91 is not directed toward the retaining portion 376g1, thereby reducing the possibility of the torsion coil spring 91 becoming disengaged from the spring hook portion 376g.

The bearing member 376 is provided with a contact preventing rib 376j5 and a contact preventing surface 376j2 so as to prevent the coupling member 386 from contacting the screw portion 91c. Thus, even when the coupling member 386 is inclined close to the helical portion 91c, the coupling member 386 contacts the contact preventing rib 376j5, the contact preventing surface 376j2, thereby preventing the free end portion 386a from contacting the helical portion 91c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the helical portion 91c comes off from the holding portion 376g1.

Furthermore, on the radially inner side of the first protruding portion 376j, a space 376j4 is provided to allow movement of the second arm of the spring 91 . Here, the second arm 91b has a length such that the arm portion 91b1 of the second arm 91b can always contact the spring receiving portion 386h of the coupling member 386 ( FIG. 29 ). By doing so, it is possible to prevent the free end 91b2 of the second arm from coming into contact with the spring receiving portion 386h.

In this embodiment, the detachment prevention of the torsion coil spring 91 is achieved by the configuration of the spring hook portion 376g, but it can also be achieved by applying silicon adhesive or hot-melt adhesive. Alternatively, another resin material part may be used to prevent detachment.

<Example 4>

Referring to Fig. 32, another structure of the driving side flange unit and the bearing member supporting it in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, components other than the driving side flange unit and the bearing component are the same as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. Even if the same reference numerals are given, the parts can be partially modified so as to match the structure of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 32, in this embodiment, the first projecting portion 476j of the bearing member 476 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. The assembly properties of the torsion coil spring 91 using a tool or assembly device relative to the spring hook portion 376g are improved due to fewer adjacent structural components. In Embodiment 1, the supporting portion 76a as the second protruding portion protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 76h toward the non-driving side, and the supporting portion 476a can be provided inside the hollow portion 476i, as shown in sub-graphs (c) and (d) shown. In such a case, the supported portion 487d of the driving side flange 487 is preferably provided on the second cylindrical portion 487h as long as the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is not affected. In this case, there is no second protruding portion (support portion 76a) in the annular groove portion 87p, and therefore, the driving side flange 487 does not have to be provided with the annular groove portion 487p. Alternatively, even if the annular groove portion 487p is provided in the resin material molding from the viewpoint of convenience, the first cylindrical portion 487j and the second cylindrical portion 487h can be connected using the rib arrangement portions 487p1-487p4 to suppress the Deformation when the drive is transmitted to the drive side flange 487.

<Example 5>

Referring to Fig. 33, another structure of the driving side flange unit and the bearing member supporting it in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, components other than the driving side flange unit and the bearing component are the same as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. Even if the same reference numerals are given, the parts can be partially modified so as to match the structure of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 33 , a cutout portion 576k of a bearing member 576 in this embodiment is different from Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. In Embodiment 1, the cutout portion 76k is in the form of a groove recessed from the plate portion 76h toward the non-driving side and extending parallel to the mounting direction X2. The cut-out portion 576k of the bearing member 576 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that it is recessed from the plate-like portion 576h toward the non-driving side, but the groove-like configuration is not necessary. It suffices as long as the plate portion 576h is sufficient to provide a space for allowing the coupling member 86 to tilt, and the lower surface 576k1 can restrict the position of the coupling member 86 (free end portion 86a ) in the vertical direction.

In Embodiment 1, the supported portion 87d is provided on the inner circumference of the first cylindrical portion 87j of the driving side flange 87, but in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 587h is used as a supported portion. Support portion 587d. In one of the bearing members 576, the supporting portion 576a as the second projecting portion enters the groove portion 587p to support the supported portion 587d. The second cylindrical portion 587h protrudes toward the driving side more than the first cylindrical portion 587j, therefore, by providing the supported portion 587d on the second cylindrical portion 587h, the In the case of the first cylindrical portion 587j, the support length in the direction of the axis L1 can be increased.

(other embodiments)

In the foregoing embodiments, the coupling member is accommodated in the flange unit of the photosensitive drum, but this is not necessary, as long as the drive is received by the cartridge through the coupling member. More specifically, the structure may be such that the developing roller is rotated by a coupling member. The present invention can be applied to a developing cartridge not including a photosensitive drum, in which a rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly side engaging portion to the developing roller. In such a case, the coupling member 86 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 32 as a rotatable member instead of the photosensitive drum.

The present invention can be applied to a structure in which driving force is transmitted only to the photosensitive drum. In the foregoing embodiments, the driving side flange 87 as the force receiving member is fixed to the longitudinal end portion of the drum 62 as the rotatable member, and the driving side flange 87 may be a separate member not fixed thereto. For example, it may be a gear member with which driving force is transmitted to the drum 62 and/or the developing roller 32 through a gear connection.

In the foregoing embodiments, the cartridge B was used to form a monochrome image. However, this is not necessary. The structures and concepts of the above-described embodiments can be applied to a cartridge that forms a multicolor image (for example, a two-color image or a full-color image) using a plurality of developing devices.

The mounting and demounting path of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main assembly A may be a linear path, a linear path or a combination of curved paths, and in such a case the structures in the above-described embodiments can be used.

[industrial applicability]

The structures of the foregoing embodiments can be applied to cartridges usable with electrophotographic image forming apparatuses and drive transmission devices therefor.

[reference sign]

3: Laser scanner unit (exposure device, exposure device)

7: Transfer roller

9: Fixing device (fixing device)

12:Guiding parts (guide mechanism)

12a: first guiding part

12b: The second guiding part

13: open and close the door

14: Drive head (joint part of the main assembly side)

14a: Drive shaft (shaft part)

14b: Drive pin (applied part)

20: Developing unit

21: toner container

22: Closing parts

23: Developing container

32: Developing roller (developing device, processing device, rotatable part)

60: cleaning unit

62: photosensitive drum (photosensitive part, rotatable part)

64: Non-drive side flange

66: Charging roller (charging device, processing device)

71:Clean frame

74: Exposure window

75: Connecting parts

76: Bearing parts (supporting parts)

76b: Boot part

76d: first arc part

76f: the second arc part

77: cleaning scraper (removal device, processing device)

78: drum shaft

86: Connecting parts

86a: Free end portion (box side joint portion)

86b1: transfer part

86p1, 86p2: first tilt (pivot) controlled part

86: Connecting part (accommodated part)

86d1, 86d2: convex part

86e1, 86e2: receiving part

86f: receiving surface

86g: interconnection part

86h: Spring receiving part

86k1, 86k2: standby part

86m: opening

86z: Concave

87: Drive side flange (force receiving part)

87b: fixed part

87d: supported part

87e: hole part

87f: hold part

87g: receiving part

87k: conical part

87m: opening

87n: the second tilt control part

87i:Accommodating part

88: Pin (shaft part, shaft)

89: Closing part (controlling part)

90: screw (fastening device, fixing device)

A: Main assembly of electrophotographic image forming device (device main assembly)

B: Processing box (box)

T: toner (developer)

P: sheet (sheet material, recording material)

R: direction of rotation

S: Gap

U1: Photosensitive drum unit (drum unit)

U2: Drive side flange unit (flange unit)

L1: The axis of rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum

L2: Axis of rotation of the coupling part

L3: Rotation axis of joint part on main assembly side

θ1: tilt angle (first angle)

θ2: tilt angle (second angle)

Claims (188)

1. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the coupling member comprising: a pivotable coupling member, wherein the main assembly includes a rotatable engaging portion for engaging with the coupling member; and a coupling guide positioned downstream of the axis of rotation of the engaging portion with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge for being contacted by the coupling member pivoted relative to the axis of rotation of the engaging portion to couple the coupling The components are guided parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint part, the cassette is mountable to the main assembly in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint part, the cassette comprising: frame; a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable part; The coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving rotational force from the engaging portion and a connection portion having a transmission portion for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving member, The framework includes: a hole portion for exposing the free end portion to the exterior of the frame, and a receiving portion provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the installation direction for receiving the coupling member when the coupling member is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the installation direction and for engaging the coupling member with the engaging portion In the case of receiving the coupling guide instead of the coupling part. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame and extending downstream from the hole portion with respect to a cartridge mounting direction. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and a side surface of the groove portion does not contact the coupling guide being entered. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and the coupling member enters the groove portion by being inclined. 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, the width of the groove portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction being larger than that of the coupling The diameter of said free end portion of the component. 6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inclination angle of the coupling member toward the receiving portion is larger than an inclination angle of the coupling member in the other direction. 7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coupling member is out of contact with the coupling guide in a state where the coupling member receives a rotational force from the engagement portion. 8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hole portion and the coupling guide overlap each other in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. 9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a urging member for urging the coupling member so as to incline the free end portion toward the receiving portion. 10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and the cartridge further includes a portion for pushing the coupling member so that the free end portion A urging member partially inclined toward the receiving portion, the coupling member urged by the urging member regulates its attitude by contacting the side surface of the groove portion. 11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the frame further comprises a protrusion protruding outwardly from the cartridge beyond the receiving portion above the hole portion relative to the direction of gravity . 12. The cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion receives a pushing force from the main assembly in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. 13. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the coupling member is provided with a through hole penetrating the connection portion and a shaft penetrating the through hole to receive a rotational force from the transmission portion part, opposite end parts of the shaft part are supported by the force receiving member. 14. Cassette according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein said free end portion is provided with two protrusions having a position relative to the axis of rotation of said coupling part arranged at The receiving portion at a substantially point-symmetrical position, and the coupling member in a state where an imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is perpendicular to the mounting direction when the cartridge is moved relative to the main assembly in the mounting direction The tiltable angle in the mounting direction is smaller than that of the coupling member in a state where the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is parallel to the mounting direction when the cartridge is moved relative to the main assembly in the mounting direction. The tiltable angle in the installation direction. 15. Cassette according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein said free end portion is provided with a protrusion having a receiving portion and with respect to a diameter perpendicular to the direction of rotational movement of said coupling member. Viewed from the outside in the direction, the receiving portion is exposed. 16. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the coupling member is rotatable downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 17. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 18. A cartridge detachable from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a detachment direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and comprising a rotatable coupling part having a free end portion of a protrusion, said coupling part being pivotable relative to an axis of rotation of said rotatable part, Wherein, the number of the protrusions having receiving portions for receiving the rotational force from the engaging portion is two, and the receiving portions of the two protrusions are arranged at approximately At a point-symmetrical position, when the cartridge moves relative to the main assembly in the detachment direction, in the state where the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is perpendicular to the installation direction, the direction of the coupling member is opposite to the installation direction. The first tiltable angle in the direction is smaller than that of the coupling part in the state where the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is parallel to the detachment direction when the cartridge is moved relative to the main assembly in the detachment direction. The second tiltable angle in the direction. 19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the first and second tiltable angles are not less than about 20°. 20. The cartridge of claim 18 or 19, wherein the difference between the first tiltable angle and the second tiltable angle is not less than about 3° and not more than about 20°. 21. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18-20, further comprising a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable member, wherein said force receiving member is An accommodation portion is provided, and the coupling member includes a connection portion having a transmission portion for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving member, and at least a part of the connection portion is accommodated in the in the accommodation section. 22. The cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the connection portion is provided with a through hole penetrating the connection portion, and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion. 23. The cartridge of claim 22, wherein an angle formed between the shaft portion and an imaginary line is not less than about 55[deg.] and not more than about 125[deg.]. 24. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18-23, further comprising a urging member for urging the coupling member to guide the free end portion in an opposite direction. 25. The cartridge according to any one of claims 18-24, wherein, in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling member and including a receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the engaging portion, at An angle formed between two lines connecting the axis of rotation and opposite end portions of the protrusion is not less than about 10° and not more than about 30°. 26. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 18-25, wherein the number of protrusions is only two. 27. Cassette according to any one of claims 18-26, wherein said free end portion is provided with a protrusion having a receiving portion and with respect to a diameter perpendicular to the direction of rotational movement of said coupling member. Viewed from the outside in the direction, the receiving portion is exposed. 28. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18-27, wherein the main assembly comprises a coupling guide positioned downstream of the axis of rotation of the engagement portion with respect to the installation direction of the cartridge, for being contacted by said coupling member pivoted relative to the axis of rotation of the joint portion to guide said coupling member parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, The cartridge further includes a receiving portion capable of receiving the inclined coupling member, wherein a coupling guide enters the receiving portion when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. 29. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18-28, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 30. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and comprising a rotatable coupling part having a free end portion of a protrusion, said coupling part being pivotable relative to an axis of rotation of said rotatable part, Wherein, the number of the protrusions having receiving portions for receiving the rotational force from the engaging portion is two, and the receiving portions of the two protrusions are arranged at approximately At the position of point symmetry, the first inclinable angle of the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the installation direction in a state where the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is perpendicular to the installation direction is smaller than that when connecting the two protrusions. The second inclination angle of the coupling member toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction in a state where the imaginary line of is parallel to the installation direction. 31. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein the first and second tiltable angles are not less than about 20°. 32. A cartridge according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the difference between the first tiltable angle and the second tiltable angle is not less than about 3° and not more than about 20°. 33. A cartridge according to any one of claims 30-32, further comprising a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable member, wherein said force receiving member is An accommodation portion is provided, and the coupling member includes a connection portion having a transmission portion for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving member, and at least a part of the connection portion is accommodated in the in the accommodation section. 34. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein a shaft portion penetrates the through hole and is capable of receiving rotational force from the transmitting portion. 35. The cartridge of claim 34, wherein an angle formed between the shaft portion and an imaginary line is not less than about 55[deg.] and not more than about 125[deg.]. 36. A cartridge according to any one of claims 30-35, further comprising a urging member for urging the coupling member to guide the free end portion in an opposite direction. 37. The cartridge according to any one of claims 30-36, wherein, in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling member and including a receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the engaging portion, at An angle formed between two lines connecting the axis of rotation and the end portion of the protrusion is not less than about 10° and not more than about 30°. 38. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 30-37, wherein the number of protrusions is only two. 39. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 30-38, wherein the protrusion is arranged to expose the receiving portion unprotected. 40. A cartridge according to any one of claims 30-39, wherein the main assembly includes a coupling guide positioned at an axis of rotation of the engaging portion with respect to a mounting direction of the cartridge. downstream, for being contacted by said coupling member pivoted relative to the axis of rotation of the joint part to guide said coupling part parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint part, The cartridge further includes a receiving portion capable of receiving the inclined coupling member, wherein the coupling guide enters the receiving portion in response to the coupling member retracting from the receiving portion and engaging with the engagement portion. 41. The cartridge according to claim 40, wherein the coupling member is out of contact with the coupling guide in a state where the coupling member receives a rotational force from the engagement portion. 42. A cartridge according to any one of claims 30-41, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 43. A cartridge capable of being mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable member, wherein said force receiving member is provided with a receiving portion therein; a coupling member including a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion, and a connecting portion at least a part of which is accommodated in the accommodating portion and the connecting portion partly provided with a through hole, the coupling part being pivotable relative to the rotation axis of the force receiving part; and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole to transmit rotational force from the coupling member to the force receiving member, wherein, when the axis of the shaft portion is parallel to the mounting direction, the coupling member is restricted in inclination by the shaft portion contacting the through hole when inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, and Wherein, when the axis of the shaft portion is perpendicular to the mounting direction, the coupling member is restricted in inclination by the coupling member contacting the force receiving member when inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. 44. The cartridge according to claim 43, wherein the inclination of the coupling member with respect to the rotation axis of the force receiving member when the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the contact of the shaft portion with the through hole The angle is smaller than the angle of inclination of the coupling member relative to the rotation axis of the force receiving member when the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the coupling member contacting the force receiving member. 45. The box according to claim 43 or 44, further comprising a frame, wherein said frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and is located at A receiving portion at a position downstream of the hole portion, the receiving portion capable of receiving the inclined coupling member. 46. The cartridge according to claim 45, wherein when the coupling member is tilted toward the receiving portion, the pivot angle of the coupling member contacts the receiving portion when the coupling member pivots through the coupling member. Maximum value when limited by the force receiving part described above. 47. The cartridge according to claim 45 or 46, further comprising a urging member for urging the coupling member toward the receiving portion. 48. The cartridge of claim 47, wherein the urging member comprises a torsion coil spring detachably engageable with the supporting member. 49. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-48, wherein the angle at which the inclination of the coupling part is restricted by the coupling part contacting a part of the force receiving part is greater than at the An angle at which the inclination of the coupling member is limited by the contact of the shaft portion with the through hole. 50. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-49, wherein the free end portion is provided with a protrusion extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling member and has a The number of the projections of the receiving portion of the rotational force of the engagement portion is two, and the receiving portions of the two projections are arranged at substantially point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling member, and when When the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is parallel to the mounting direction, the inclination of the coupling part is limited by contacting a part of the force receiving part. 51. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-49, wherein the free end portion is provided with a protrusion extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling member and has a The number of the projections of the receiving portion of the rotational force of the engagement portion is two, and the receiving portions of the two projections are arranged at substantially point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling member, and when When the imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is perpendicular to the mounting direction, the inclination of the coupling member is limited by the contact of the shaft portion with the through hole. 52. The cartridge according to any one of claims 43-51, wherein, in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling member and including a receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the engaging portion, at An angle formed between two lines connecting the axis of rotation and the end portion of the protrusion is not less than about 10° and not more than about 30°. 53. The cartridge according to any one of claims 43 to 52, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 54. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-53, wherein the coupling member is inclineable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 55. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-54, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 56. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: frame; Rotatable photosensitive part; a rotatable coupling member having a rotation axis pivotable relative to a rotation axis of the photosensitive member; an urging member contacting the coupling member to urge the free end portion of the coupling member toward a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction; a first protrusion provided on the frame to receive thrust from the main assembly in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and A second protrusion protruding outward along the rotation axis from the same surface of the frame as the surface from which the first protrusion protrudes to mount the pressing member, the first The convex portion protrudes further outward than the second convex portion. 57. The cartridge according to claim 56, wherein said frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and said first protrusion is The state of the main assembly is disposed above the hole portion with respect to the direction of gravity. 58. A cartridge according to claim 56, wherein said frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and said second protrusion is mounted to said frame. The state of the main assembly is disposed below the hole portion with respect to the direction of gravity. 59. A cartridge according to any one of claims 56-58, wherein the urging member comprises a torsion coil spring having a helical portion engaging the second protrusion. 60. The cartridge according to claim 59, wherein a portion of the second protrusion for supporting the helical portion has a D-shaped cross-section, and a side portion away from the rotational axis of the coupling member is a D-shaped portion. straight line part. 61. A cartridge according to claim 56, wherein said frame is provided with an aperture portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and with a receiving portion, said receiving portion being provided on said frame. A position downstream of the bore portion for receiving the inclined coupling member. 62. The cartridge according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein the number of said protrusions having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion is two, and in said coupling member The convex portion of the free end portion protrudes outward from the frame more than the first convex portion in a state where the rotation axis of the photosensitive member is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member. 63. The cartridge according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein the number of said protrusions having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion is two, and in said coupling member In a state pressed by the urging member so that the rotation axis of the coupling member is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member, the first protrusion is larger than the protrusion of the free end portion relative to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member. A protrusion downstream in the mounting direction protrudes further outward from the frame. 64. The cartridge according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein the number of said protrusions having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion is two, and said two protrusions The receiving portion of the part is arranged at a substantially point-symmetrical position with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling part, and the coupling part faces toward the mounting direction in a state where an imaginary line connecting the two convex parts is perpendicular to the mounting direction. A first tiltable angle toward the downstream side is smaller than a second tiltable angle of the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction in a state where an imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is parallel to the mounting direction. 65. A cartridge according to any one of claims 56-64, wherein the coupling member is tiltable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 66. A cartridge detachable from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a detachment direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable part, the force receiving part having an accommodation portion therein; A rotatable coupling member comprising a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion, and having a structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving portion. a connecting part of a transfer part of a part, wherein at least a part of the coupling part is accommodated in the receiving part so that the axis of rotation of the coupling part can follow the cartridge in the detachment direction with the receiving part pivoting with respect to the rotation axis of the force receiving part in a manner disengaging the movement of the engaging part, and the coupling part is provided with a through hole penetrating through the connecting part; and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion, wherein the opposite end portion of the shaft portion is supported by the force receiving member, and the maximum rotational diameter of the coupling member about the axis of rotation in the connecting portion is larger than that of the coupling member in the free end portion The maximum diameter of rotation around the axis of rotation. 67. The cartridge according to claim 66, wherein said shaft portion is provided with an inclination regulating portion for contacting said force receiving member when the axis of rotation of said coupling member is inclined relative to said force receiving member. The through hole restricts the inclination of the coupling member. 68. The cartridge according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 69. A cartridge according to any one of claims 66-68, wherein the connecting portion has a generally spherical shape having a center at the pivot center of the coupling member. 70. The cartridge of claim 69, wherein the disengagement preventing portion confines a substantially spherical portion of the connection portion. 71. The cartridge according to any one of claims 66 to 70, further comprising an urging member contacting the coupling member to urge the free end portion toward the downstream side with respect to the installation direction part. 72. A cartridge according to any one of claims 66-71, wherein said coupling member is relative to said coupling member when its inclination is limited by contact of said shaft portion with said through hole. The angle of inclination of the axis of rotation of the force receiving part is smaller than the angle of inclination of the coupling part relative to the axis of rotation of the force receiving part when the inclination of the coupling part is limited by the contact of the coupling part with the force receiving part . 73. A cartridge according to any one of claims 66-72, wherein said coupling member comprises an interconnection between said free end portion and said connection portion, the interconnection portion The diameter is smaller than the diameters of the free end portion and the connecting portion. 74. A cartridge according to any one of claims 66-73, wherein the coupling member is tiltable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 75. A cartridge according to any one of claims 66-74, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 76. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable member for carrying developer; and A rotatable coupling part comprising a free end portion having a protrusion, said coupling part being pivotable relative to a rotation axis of said rotatable part, wherein said coupling part having a receiving part for receiving a rotational force from an engaging part The number of the protrusions is two, and the receiving portions of the two protrusions are arranged at substantially point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling member; a first protrusion provided on the frame to receive thrust from the main assembly in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and an urging member contacting the coupling member to urge the free end portion toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, Wherein, when the rotation axis of the coupling part is parallel to the rotation axis of the rotatable part, at least some parts of the two protrusions of the free end part are aligned with the rotation axis of the rotatable part the first protrusion is further outboard than the frame, and wherein at least one of the protrusions of the coupling member pushed and tilted by the urging member is all at a higher position on the rotation axis of the rotatable member than the first protrusion. inside. 77. The cartridge of claim 76, further comprising a second protrusion protruding from the same surface of the frame as the surface from which the first protrusion protrudes to support the pusher. A pressing member, wherein the first protrusion protrudes outward from the frame more than the second protrusion. 78. The cartridge of claim 77, wherein the urging member includes a torsion coil spring having a coil portion engaged with the second protrusion. 79. A cartridge according to any one of claims 76-78, further comprising a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable member, said force receiving member having a an accommodating part, and the coupling part includes a connecting part having a transmission part for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving part to the force receiving part, and at least a part of the connecting part is accommodated in the accommodating part middle. 80. The cartridge according to claim 79, wherein the connection portion is provided with a through hole penetrating the connection portion, and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion. 81. A cartridge according to any one of claims 76-80, wherein an imaginary line connecting two protrusions having a receiving portion is perpendicular to the installation direction, said coupling member inclined towards the downstream relative to the installation direction The two protrusions are on the inside of the frame. 82. A cartridge according to any one of claims 76-81, wherein the main assembly includes a coupling guide positioned at an angle of rotation axis of the engaging portion relative to the mounting direction of the cartridge. downstream, for being contacted by said coupling member pivoted relative to the axis of rotation of the joint part to guide said coupling part parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint part, The cartridge further includes a receiving portion for receiving the coupling member inclined, wherein, with the coupling member engaged with the engagement portion, the coupling member is retracted from the receiving portion and the coupling guide enters. the receiving part. 83. The cartridge according to claim 82, wherein said frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and said receiving portion is provided at said Downstream of the hole section. 84. Cassette according to any one of claims 76-83, wherein said free end portion is provided with a protrusion having a receiving portion and with respect to a diameter perpendicular to the direction of rotational movement of said coupling member. Viewed from the outside in the direction, the receiving portion is exposed. 85. A cartridge according to any one of claims 76-84, wherein the coupling member is inclineable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 86. A cartridge according to any one of claims 76-85, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 87. A cartridge capable of being used in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main assembly comprising: a rotatable joint portion, a coupling guide provided on the rear side of the rotational axis of the joint portion, the cartridge being capable of passing through the mounted to the main assembly for movement in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: frame; rotatable parts; a coupling part having a free end portion provided with a protrusion and being rotatable about an axis of rotation which is pivotable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part, wherein after the coupling part is fully mounted to the main During assembly, the inclination of the coupling part can be limited by the coupling guide, Wherein, the frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing the free end portion to the outside of the frame, and a receiving portion is provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the installation direction, wherein toward The free end portion of the coupling member inclined on the downstream side enters the receiving portion, and in the case where the coupling member is engaged with the engaging portion, a coupling guide enters the receiving portion instead of the free end portion, so The frame is further provided with a restricting portion protruding outwardly from the receiving portion in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable member; and an urging member for urging the coupling member toward the restricting portion to cause the free end portion to enter the receiving portion. 88. The cartridge according to claim 87, wherein the coupling guide is positioned downstream of the axis of rotation of the engagement portion with respect to the installation direction of the cartridge and is pivoted by the linkage relative to the axis of rotation of the engagement portion. Parts contact to guide the coupling part to be parallel to the rotation axis of the joint part, and when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the coupling part inclined by the pressing part contacts the coupling guide that enters the receiving part. pieces. 89. A cartridge according to claim 87 or 88, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and the groove portion extends downstream from the hole portion with respect to the mounting direction . 90. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87-89, wherein the inclination of the coupling member is greater in the direction of the escape portion than in the other direction. 91. The cartridge according to claim 88, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and a side surface of the groove portion does not contact an incoming coupling guide. 92. The cartridge according to claim 87, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the frame, and the pivot angle of the coupling member is pushed by the urging member to contact the opposite The lower surface of the groove portion in the direction of gravity is restricted. 93. The cartridge according to any one of claims 88-91, wherein, in a state where the coupling member receives a rotational force from the engagement portion, the coupling member is contacted by the urging member, And do not touch the coupling guide. 94. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87-93, wherein said free end portion comprises two protrusions having said receiving portions, said protrusions being arranged such that said receiving portions are opposed to each other. When the axis of rotation of the coupling part is at a substantially point-symmetrical position, and when the cartridge moves relative to the main assembly in the mounting direction, the coupling The pivotable angle of the part in the direction opposite to the mounting direction is smaller than the pivotable angle of the coupling part in the opposite direction when the imaginary line is parallel to the mounting direction. 95. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87-94, wherein the coupling member is tiltable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 96. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87-95, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 97. A cartridge detachable from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a detachment direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving member for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotatable member, said force receiving member being provided with a receiving portion on its inner side and a gear portion on its outer side; a rotatable coupling member including a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and having a structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the A connecting portion of a transmission portion of a force receiving part, wherein at least a part of the coupling part is accommodated in the receiving part so that the axis of rotation of the coupling part can follow the cartridge in a dismounting direction with the receiving part pivoting relative to the rotation axis of the force receiving part in a manner that the movement on the coupling part is disengaged from the joint part, and the coupling part is provided with a through hole penetrating through the connecting part; a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion; and a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, Wherein the opposite end portions of the shaft portion are supported by the force receiving member, an imaginary flat plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the force receiving member, an imaginary flat plane traverses the shaft portion, the supporting portion and the gear part. 98. The cartridge of claim 97, wherein the support member includes a first protrusion for receiving a thrust force when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the force receiving member and An imaginary flat plane including the shaft portion, the support portion, and the gear portion does not traverse the first protrusion. 99. The cartridge according to claim 97 or 98, further comprising a urging member for urging the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, the supporting member including a support member for supporting the urging member. A second protrusion, wherein an imaginary flat plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the force receiving member and including the shaft portion, the support portion, and the gear portion does not traverse the second protrusion. 100. A cartridge according to any one of claims 97-99, wherein said support member is provided with an aperture portion for exposing said free end portion to the exterior of said cartridge, and with a receiving portion , the receiving portion is provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the mounting direction for receiving the inclined coupling member. 101. The cartridge of claim 100, wherein the receiving portion includes a groove portion provided in the support member. 102. The cartridge according to claim 101, further comprising an urging member for urging the coupling member toward a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, A pivot angle of the coupling member is restricted by being urged by the urging member to contact the lower side surface of the groove portion with respect to the direction of gravity. 103. The cartridge according to claim 97, further comprising a torsion coil spring for urging the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, wherein the support member is provided with a support for supporting the torsion coil spring. The second protrusion of the helical portion, the arm extending from the outer portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring is engaged with the support member, the arm extending from the inner portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring is in contact with the coupling part. 104. The cartridge according to claim 97, further comprising a torsion coil spring for urging the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, wherein the support member is provided for when the cartridge is mounted to the main body. A first protrusion receiving thrust from the main assembly and a second protrusion for supporting the coil portion of the torsion coil spring in the state of the assembly, and the first protrusion is at the center of the rotation axis of the rotatable member. The direction protrudes outwards more than the second protrusion. 105. The cartridge according to any one of claims 97-104, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 106. The cartridge of claim 105, wherein the connecting portion has a generally spherical shape about a pivot center of the coupling member. 107. The cartridge of claim 106, wherein the disengagement preventing portion confines a substantially spherical portion of the connection portion. 108. A cartridge according to any one of claims 97-107, wherein the force receiving member is provided with an annular recess in the outer surface of the cartridge between the receiving portion and the gear portion. Groove part. 109. A cartridge according to any one of claims 43-53, wherein the coupling member is tiltable downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 110. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 111. A cartridge detachable from a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device comprising a rotatable joint portion in a detachment direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable part, the force receiving part having an accommodation portion therein; a coupling member pivotable relative to the rotational axis of the force receiving member, the coupling member including a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and a connecting portion, the connecting portion at least a portion of the section is accommodated in the accommodation portion; and a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, Wherein, the force receiving member is provided with an annular groove portion in the outer side surface of the case, the supporting portion of the supporting member contacts the side surface of the groove radially outside of the force receiving member and may The force receiving member is rotatably supported, and the connecting portion is located inside the groove in a radial direction of the transmitting member. 112. The cartridge according to claim 111, wherein the coupling member is provided with a through hole penetrating the connecting portion and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole to receive a rotational force from the transmitting portion, and opposite end portions thereof Supported by the force receiving member, the shaft portion and side surfaces of the groove overlap each other. 113. The cartridge according to claim 111, wherein the coupling member is provided with a through hole penetrating the connecting portion and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole to receive a rotational force from the transmission portion, and its opposite end portion Supported by the force receiving member, the shaft portion and the support portion overlap each other. 114. The cartridge according to any one of claims 111-113, wherein the force receiving member includes a gear portion located outside the groove portion in a radial direction of the force receiving member. 115. The cartridge of claim 114, wherein a pivot center of the coupling member when tilted relative to the force receiving member partially overlaps the gear. 116. The cartridge according to any one of claims 111-115, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 117. A cartridge according to any one of claims 111-116, wherein said force receiving member is provided with an aperture portion for exposing said free end portion to the exterior of said cartridge, and is provided with a receiving The receiving portion is provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the mounting direction for receiving the coupling member. 118. The cartridge according to any one of claims 111-117, further comprising a torsion coil spring for urging the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, wherein the support member is provided for A second protrusion supporting a coil portion of the torsion coil spring, an arm extending from an outer portion of the coil portion of the torsion coil spring engaged with the support member, extending from an inner portion of the coil portion of the torsion coil spring The arm touches the coupling part. 119. The cartridge according to any one of claims 111-117, further comprising a torsion coil spring for urging the coupling member toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, wherein the support member is provided for A first protrusion receiving thrust from the main assembly in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the support member is provided with a second protrusion for supporting the coil portion of the torsion coil spring, the first protrusion A portion protrudes more outward than the second convex portion in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable member. 120. A cartridge according to any one of claims 111-119, wherein the coupling member is inclineable towards downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 121. A cartridge according to any one of claims 111-120, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 122. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable part, the force receiving part having an accommodation portion therein; a coupling member pivotable relative to the rotational axis of the rotatable member, the coupling member including a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and for receiving a portion of the received rotational force is transmitted to a transmission portion of the force receiving member; a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member; and an urging member contacting the coupling member to urge the free end portion of the coupling member toward a downstream side with respect to a mounting direction, Wherein, the supporting member is provided with a retreat portion through which the inclination angle of the coupling member in the direction pushed by the pushing member reaches a maximum value. 123. The cartridge of claim 122, wherein the width of the back-off portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction is greater than the diameter of the free end portion. 124. A cartridge according to claim 122 or 123, wherein said coupling member comprises an interconnection between said free end portion and said connecting portion, said interconnection having a diameter smaller than said free end portion. The diameters of the end portion and the connection portion, the width of the relief portion measured in the mounting direction are larger than the diameter of the interconnection portion of the coupling part. 125. The cartridge according to any one of claims 122 to 124, wherein, in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the escape portion is located at the side of the engaging portion with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. downstream. 126. The cartridge according to any one of claims 122-125, further comprising a through hole penetrating the connection portion and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmitting portion, Wherein, when the coupling member is inclined toward the escape portion by the urging member, in the case where the axis of the shaft portion is perpendicular to the direction of inclination of the coupling member, the inclination of the coupling member is achieved by contact limited to a portion of the force receiving part. 127. The cartridge according to any one of claims 122-125, further comprising a through hole penetrating the connection portion and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion, Wherein, when the coupling member is inclined toward the escape portion by the pressing member, in the case where the axis of the shaft portion is parallel to the inclination direction of the coupling member, the inclination of the coupling member is achieved by Contact between the through hole and the shaft portion is limited. 128. The cartridge according to any one of claims 122-125, further comprising a through hole penetrating the connecting portion and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmitting portion, Wherein, an inclination angle restricted by the coupling member contacting a portion of the force receiving member is larger than an inclination angle restricted by contact between the through hole and the shaft portion. 129. The cartridge according to any one of claims 122-128, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 130. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 122-129, wherein the coupling member is tiltable downstream by no less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 131. A cartridge according to any one of claims 122-130, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 132. A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a rotatable joint portion in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable part, the force receiving part having an accommodation portion therein; A rotatable coupling member comprising a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion, and having a structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving portion. a connection part of a transmission part of a component, wherein at least a part of the coupling part is accommodated in the housing part such that the axis of rotation of the coupling part can pivot relative to the axis of rotation of the force receiving part, and The coupling part is provided with a through hole penetrating through the connection part; and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion, wherein the shaft portion is supported by the force receiving member at opposite end portions, and the cartridge further includes a urging member contacting the coupling member to urge toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction Pressing the free end portion of the coupling part. 133. The cartridge according to claim 132, further comprising a supporting portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, and a supporting member having a first protrusion for receiving thrust when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. 134. The cartridge according to claim 132, wherein the urging member includes a torsion coil spring, a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, a second protrusion engaged with a coil portion of the torsion coil spring. department. 135. The cartridge of claim 134, wherein an arm extending from an outer portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring engages the support member and an arm extending from an inner portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring The arm contacts the coupling part. 136. The cartridge of claim 132, further comprising a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, an aperture portion for exposing the free end portion to the outside of the cartridge, And a evacuation portion to which the coupling member can evacuate, the evacuation portion being provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the mounting direction. 137. The cartridge according to claim 132, further comprising a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, wherein the force receiving member is provided with an annular groove in an outer side surface of the cartridge portion, and the support portion of the support member contacts a side surface of the groove radially outside of the force receiving member. 138. The cartridge according to any one of claims 132-137, wherein the force receiving member includes a disengagement prevention portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 139. Cassette according to any one of claims 132-138, wherein said free end portion is provided with a protrusion extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling member and has a The number of protrusions of the receiving portion of the rotational force of the engagement portion is two, and these protrusions are provided at approximately point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotational axis of the coupling member. 140. The cartridge of claim 139, wherein when an imaginary line connecting the two protrusions is parallel to the mounting direction, the inclination of the coupling member is limited by contacting a part of the force receiving member. 141. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 132-140, wherein the coupling member is capable of tilting downstream by not less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 142. A cartridge according to any one of claims 132-141, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 143. A cartridge detachable from a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device comprising a rotatable joint portion in a detachment direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, the cartridge comprising: a rotatable member for carrying developer; and a rotatable force receiving part for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable part, the force receiving part having an accommodation portion therein; A rotatable coupling member comprising a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from an engaging portion, and having a structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the receiving portion to the force receiving portion. a connection part of a transmission part of a component, wherein at least a part of the coupling part is accommodated in the housing part such that the axis of rotation of the coupling part can pivot relative to the axis of rotation of the force receiving part, and The coupling part is provided with a through hole penetrating through the connection part; and a shaft portion penetrating through the through hole and capable of receiving rotational force from the transmission portion, Wherein, the shaft portion is supported at its opposite end portions by the force receiving member including a disengagement preventing portion for preventing the coupling member from being disengaged. 144. The cartridge according to claim 143, further comprising a support member including a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, and a second portion for receiving a thrust force when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly. a convex part. 145. The cartridge according to claim 143, further comprising a torsion coil spring that urges the coupling member toward the upstream side with respect to the detachment direction, and a support member including a rotatably supported force receiving member. The support portion and the second protrusion engaged with the coil portion of the torsion coil spring. 146. The cartridge of claim 145, wherein an arm extending from an outer portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring engages the support member and an arm extending from an inner portion of the helical portion of the torsion coil spring The arm contacts the coupling part. 147. The cartridge of claim 143, further comprising a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, an aperture portion for exposing the free end portion to the exterior of the cartridge, And a evacuation portion to which the coupling member can evacuate, the evacuation portion being provided downstream of the hole portion with respect to the mounting direction. 148. The cartridge of claim 143, further comprising a support member having a support portion rotatably supporting the force receiving member, wherein the force receiving member is provided with an annular groove in an outer side surface of the cartridge portion, and the supporting portion of the supporting member contacts a side surface of the groove radially outside of the force receiving member to rotatably support the force receiving member. 149. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 143-148, wherein the coupling member is tiltable downstream by no less than about 20° with respect to the mounting direction. 150. A cartridge according to any one of claims 143-149, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive member. 151. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable about its axis of rotation and capable of taking a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and the axis of rotation of the coupling part is relative to the axis of the rotatable part movement between a second position in which the axis of rotation of the rotating member is inclined; and an urging member that urges the coupling member toward the second position; Wherein, the frame includes a retreat portion for allowing an inclination angle of the coupling member in a direction pushed by the urging member to be larger than an inclination angle of the coupling member in a direction other than the urging direction. slope. 152. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; and An urging member that urges the coupling member toward the second position. 153. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member, Wherein, the rotatable member is provided with a disengagement preventing portion capable of contacting the first portion to prevent the coupling member from being disengaged. 154. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member, wherein, when the rotation axis of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft portion, the shaft portion contacts the through hole to limit the inclination of the coupling member, and Wherein the rotational axis of the coupling part is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft portion, the frame contacts the coupling part in this case to limit the inclination of the coupling part. 155. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; and The angle formed between the rotation axis of the coupling part and the rotation axis of the rotatable part when the inclination of the coupling part is limited by the contact between the coupling part and the frame is larger than when the An angle formed between a rotation axis of the coupling member and a rotation axis of the rotatable member when the inclination of the coupling member is limited by the contact between the shaft portion and the through hole. 156. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member, Wherein, the rotatable member is provided with a gear portion at its outer periphery, and the frame rotatably supports the portion where the rotatable member is located and at least a part of the gear portion along the rotatable member. The directions of the axes of rotation overlap. 157. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; Wherein, the shaft portion includes an inclination control portion capable of contacting the through hole to limit the inclination of the coupling member, and capable of contacting the through hole to limit the coupling when the coupling member rotates around the rotation axis. the rotation governing part of the rotation of the component, and Wherein, the inclination angle of the coupling member in a first imaginary plane including the rotation axis of the rotatable member and the axis of the shaft portion is larger than that of the coupling member in a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane. The tiltable angle in . 158. A cartridge comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable around its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole and a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, the coupling part being rotatable on the coupling part movement between a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable member and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member; and a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; Wherein, the rotatable member includes a first member having a disengagement prevention portion for preventing the coupling member from being disengaged by moving in a direction away from the bearing member, and a second member connected to the first member. two parts, and the opposite end parts of the shaft part are supported by the first part and the second part. 159. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member provided at its outer periphery with a gear portion and rotatably supported by the frame; and a coupling part rotatable about its axis of rotation and capable of taking a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and the axis of rotation of the coupling part is relative to the axis of the rotatable part movement between a second position in which the axis of rotation of the rotating member is inclined; Wherein, the rotatable member includes an accommodating portion for accommodating a part of the coupling member, and the rotatable member is in the outer side surface of the case along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable member on the An annular groove portion is provided between the gear portion and the accommodating portion. 160. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part that is rotatable about its axis of rotation and includes a first part provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, and a protrusion protruding from the second part The coupling part is capable of a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part Movement between two positions; a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; and a frame protrusion protruding from an end surface of the frame on a side where the coupling member is provided other than the frame, Wherein, in a state where the rotation axis of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the rotatable member and the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the contact between the shaft portion and the through hole, the The protrusion is more inside than the frame protrusion in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable member. 161. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part that is rotatable about its axis of rotation and includes a first part provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, and a protrusion protruding from the second part The coupling part is capable of a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part Movement between two positions; a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; and a frame protrusion protruding from an end surface of the frame on a side where the coupling member is provided other than the frame, Wherein, in a state where the coupling member is at the first position, the convex portion of the coupling member is located at a more outer side than the frame convex portion in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable member. 162. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable about its axis of rotation and comprising a first part provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the rotatable part than the first part, and farther from the rotatable part than the second part the rotatable part and has a third part of the protrusion, the coupling part can be in a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and the axis of rotation of the coupling part is relative to movement between a second position in which the axis of rotation of the rotatable member is inclined; a shaft portion penetrating the through hole and having opposite end portions supported by the rotatable member; and A maximum diameter of rotation of the coupling member about the axis of rotation in the first portion is greater than a maximum diameter of rotation of the coupling member about the axis of rotation in the third portion. 163. A case comprising: frame; a rotatable carrying member for carrying developer; a rotatable member rotatably supported by the frame; a coupling part rotatable about its axis of rotation and capable of taking a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the rotatable part and the axis of rotation of the coupling part is relative to the axis of the rotatable part movement between a second position in which the axis of rotation of the rotating member is inclined; an urging member for urging the coupling member toward the second position; and a support member comprising a frame protrusion protruding from an end surface on a side of the frame where the coupling member is provided and for mounting the pusher on the same surface as the frame protrusion. component mounting lugs, Wherein, the frame protrusion protrudes further to the outside of the case than the mounting protrusion. 164. A case comprising: frame; Photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum; a flange mounted to an end portion of the photosensitive drum; and a coupling part pivotally retained by said flange, Wherein, the frame is provided with a hole portion for exposing the coupling member to the outside of the box, and is provided with a groove portion provided in the surface provided with the hole portion and at a distance from the The direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller extends continuously from the hole portion. 165. A cartridge capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotary coupling member is mountable to the case, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotating force from the engaging portion, and a rotating force for transmitting the rotating force received by the receiving portion. The connection part of the transmission part, the connection part is provided with a through hole, and the coupling part can be installed to the box by holding the opposite end part of the shaft through the through hole, and the box includes: frame; a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; and a bearing member mounted to the frame and having a support portion for rotatably supporting the flange, Wherein, the flange includes a holding portion for holding opposite end portions of the shaft through the through hole, and a disengagement preventing portion for restricting disengagement of the coupling member by contacting an outer periphery of the connection portion. 166. A cartridge capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotary coupling member is mountable to the case, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotating force from the engaging portion, and a rotating force for transmitting the rotating force received by the receiving portion. The connecting part of the transfer part, the coupling part can be installed to the box by holding the opposite end part of the shaft through the through hole, the box includes: frame; a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; and a bearing member mounted to the frame and having a support portion for rotatably supporting the flange, Wherein, the flange is provided with an annular groove portion outside the receiving portion with respect to the radial direction of the flange, and the support portion contacts the groove portion with respect to the radial direction of the flange of the outer surface. 167. A cartridge capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotary coupling member is mountable to the case, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotating force from the engaging portion, and a rotating force for transmitting the rotating force received by the receiving portion. The connection part of the transmission part, the connection part is provided with a through hole, and the coupling part can be installed to the box by holding the opposite end part of the shaft through the through hole, and the box includes: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder and including an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member, a holding portion holding opposite end portions of the shaft through the through hole, Wherein, when the coupling member held by the holding portion is inclined to the axial direction, the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the contact between the through hole and the shaft, and when the coupling member is inclined to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, The flange contacts the coupling part to manage the inclination of the coupling part. 168. A cartridge capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotary coupling member is mountable to the case, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotating force from the engaging portion, and a rotating force for transmitting the rotating force received by the receiving portion. The connection part of the transmission part, the connection part is provided with a through hole, and the coupling part can be installed to the box by holding the opposite end part of the shaft through the through hole, and the box includes: frame; a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; and a bearing member mounted to the frame and having a support portion for rotatably supporting the flange, Wherein, the bearing member includes a first protrusion for receiving thrust from the main assembly in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly and a second protrusion for mounting a coil portion of a torsion coil spring, the first protrusion two protrusions protrude outward from the same surface of the frame as the surface from which the first protrusion protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylinder, and Wherein, the first protrusion protrudes outward from the case more than the second protrusion. 169. A cartridge capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotary coupling member is mountable to the case, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotating force from the engaging portion, and a rotating force for transmitting the rotating force received by the receiving portion. The connection part of the transmission part, the connection part is provided with a through hole, and the coupling part can be installed to the box by holding the opposite end part of the shaft through the through hole, and the box includes: frame; a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; and a bearing member mounted to the frame and having a support portion for rotatably supporting the flange, Wherein, the flange is provided with a holding portion for holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through hole and a gear portion for transmitting the driving force, and the holding portion, the supporting portion and the gear portion are arranged along the The axes of rotation of the flanges overlap. 170. A cartridge usable for a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a rotatable joint portion and a coupling guide provided on a rear side of a rotation axis of the joint portion, the A cartridge is mountable to the main assembly by movement in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint portion, wherein the coupling member is mountable to the cartridge, the cartridge comprising: frame; a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member; and a bearing member mounted to the frame and having a support portion for rotatably supporting the flange, Wherein, the bearing member is provided with a hole portion for exposing a free end portion to the outside, and a groove portion extending continuously from the hole portion toward a downstream side with respect to a mounting direction. 171. A drum unit capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotatable coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and having a rotating force received by the receiving portion for transmitting A connection portion of a transmission portion of a rotational force, the connection portion being provided with a through hole, the coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit by holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through hole, the drum unit includes: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and A flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange is provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating a connecting portion and pivotably holding a coupling member, in the radial direction relative to the cylinder in the an annular groove portion outside the accommodating portion, and a holding portion for holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through hole, Wherein, the groove portion and the holding portion overlap along the rotation axis direction of the cylinder. 172. A drum unit capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotatable coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and having a rotating force received by the receiving portion for transmitting A connection portion of a transmission portion of a rotational force, the connection portion being provided with a through hole, the coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit by holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through hole, the drum unit includes: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and a flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange including an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connection portion and pivotally holding the coupling member, a holding portion holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through hole; wherein, when the coupling member held by the holding portion is inclined toward the axial direction, the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by contact between the through hole and the shaft, and Wherein, the flange includes a restricting part capable of contacting the coupling part to restrict the inclination of the coupling part when the coupling part is inclined in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. 173. A drum unit capable of being detached from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of an engaging portion rotatably provided in the main assembly, wherein A rotatable coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit, the coupling member includes a free end portion having a receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the engaging portion, and having a rotating force received by the receiving portion for transmitting A connection portion of a transmission portion of a rotational force, the connection portion being provided with a through hole through which the coupling member can be mounted to the drum unit by holding opposite end portions of the shaft through the through hole, the drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and A flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange is provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member, for holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through passage. A holding portion of the hole, and a disengagement preventing portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting the connection portion of the coupling member. 174. A drum unit to which a coupling member is mountable by holding opposite end portions of a shaft through a through hole through a connecting portion of the coupling member, the drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and A flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange being provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member, outwardly disposed with respect to the radial direction of the cylinder an annular groove portion outside the receiving portion, and a holding portion for holding an opposite end portion of the shaft penetrating the through hole, Wherein, the groove portion and the holding portion overlap along the rotation axis direction of the cylinder. 175. A drum unit to which a coupling member is mountable by retaining opposite end portions of a shaft extending through a through hole through a connecting portion of the coupling member, the drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and A flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange is provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotally holding the coupling member, and an opposite end portion for holding the shaft passing through the through-hole holding part, wherein when the rotational axis of the coupling member held in the housing portion is inclined toward the axial direction held by the holding portion, the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the shaft contacting the through hole, and Wherein, the flange is provided with a restricting portion capable of contacting the coupling part to restrict the inclination of the coupling part. 176. A drum unit to which a coupling member is mountable by retaining opposite end portions of a shaft extending through a through hole through a connecting portion of the coupling member, the drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; and A flange mounted to an end portion of the cylinder, the flange is provided with an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the connecting portion and pivotably holding the coupling member, for holding the opposite end portion of the shaft through the through passage. A holding portion of the hole, and a disengagement preventing portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting the connection portion of the coupling member. 177. A drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the cylinder, the flange including a receiving portion inside thereof and mounted to an end portion of the cylinder; a coupling part comprising a first part at least partly accommodated in the receiving part and provided with a through hole, and a second part farther from the cylinder than the first part, the coupling part being able to surround the axis of rotation rotates and the coupling part is capable of a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the flange and the axis of rotation of the coupling part is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the flange movement between second positions; and passing through the shaft portion of the through hole, Wherein, the flange includes a holding portion holding opposite end portions of the shaft portion, and a disengagement preventing portion for preventing disengagement of the coupling member by contacting the first portion. 178. A drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the cylinder, the flange including a receiving portion inside thereof and mounted to an end portion of the cylinder; a coupling part comprising a first part at least partly accommodated in the receiving part and provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the cylinder than the first part, the coupling part being able to rotate around axis of rotation, and the coupling part is capable of a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the flange and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the flange movement between two positions; and passing through the shaft portion of the through hole, wherein, when the rotation axis of the coupling member is inclined toward the axial direction held by the holding portion, the inclination of the coupling member is restricted by the shaft contacting the through hole, and Wherein, the flange includes a holding portion for holding opposite end portions of the shaft portion, and a control portion capable of contacting when the rotation axis of the coupling member is inclined toward a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft portion. to the coupling part to limit the tilting of the coupling part. 179. A drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the cylinder, the flange including a receiving portion inside thereof and mounted to an end portion of the cylinder; a coupling part comprising a first part at least partly accommodated in the receiving part and provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the cylinder than the first part, the coupling part being able to rotate around axis of rotation, and the coupling part is capable of a first position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the flange and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling part is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the flange movement between two positions; and passing through the shaft portion of the through hole, Wherein, the flange includes a first member having a disengagement preventing portion for preventing the coupling member from being disengaged by moving away from the cylinder, and a second member connected to the first member, and the shaft portion Opposite end portions are supported by the first member and the second member, respectively. 180. A drum unit comprising: a cylinder with a photosensitive layer; a flange for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to the cylinder, the flange including a receiving portion inside thereof and mounted to an end portion of the cylinder; a coupling part comprising a first part at least partly accommodated in the accommodating part and provided with a through hole, a second part farther from the cylinder than the first part, and a A third portion further away from the cylinder and provided with a protrusion, the coupling part is rotatable about an axis of rotation and the coupling part is rotatable when the axis of rotation of the coupling part is coaxial with the axis of the flange movement between a first position and a second position in which the axis of rotation of the coupling member is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the flange; and passing through the shaft portion of the through hole, Wherein said flange comprises a retaining portion for retaining opposite end portions of a shaft portion, and said coupling member has a larger diameter of rotation around a rotational axis in said first portion of said coupling member than said coupling member has in said first portion of said coupling member. The largest diameter of rotation about the axis of rotation in the third section. 181. A force receiving member mountable to an end portion of a cylindrical portion of a photosensitive cylinder, the force receiving member comprising: a radially outer first cylindrical portion; a second cylindrical portion disposed radially inward with respect to said first cylindrical portion; and The second cylindrical portion has an inner hollow portion and a recess connected to the hollow portion in the radial direction and opening toward the cylinder along the rotation axis of the force receiving member, and is provided on the first an annular groove portion between the cylindrical portion and said second cylindrical portion, Wherein, the first cylindrical portion, the annular groove portion and the recess overlap in the direction of the rotation axis of the force receiving member. 182. The force receiving member of claim 181, wherein the first cylindrical portion comprises a gear. 183. The force receiving member of claim 182, wherein the gear is a helical gear along the force receiving member. 184. The force receiving member according to claim 181, wherein the second cylindrical portion includes an overhang portion protruding toward the hollow portion along the force receiving member. 185. The force receiving member of claim 181, wherein the second cylindrical portion includes a radially outwardly projecting protrusion. 186. A flange unit mountable to an end portion of a cylindrical portion of a photosensitive cylinder, the flange unit comprising: the shaft portion; and A force receiving member comprising: a first cylindrical portion provided on a radially outer side; a second cylindrical portion having an inner hollow portion and a radial direction with the hollow portion connects and accommodates the recess of the shaft portion; and an annular groove portion provided between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, Wherein, the first cylindrical portion, the annular groove portion and the recess overlap in the direction of the rotation axis of the force receiving member. 187. A flange unit mountable to an end portion of a cylindrical portion of a photosensitive cylinder, the flange unit comprising: the shaft portion; and A force receiving member comprising: a first cylindrical portion provided on a radially outer side; a second cylindrical portion having an inner hollow portion and a radial direction with a recess connected by the hollow portion, and an annular groove portion provided between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and a control member having a control portion, Wherein, the shaft portion is held by the recess and the regulating portion, and the first cylindrical portion and the annular groove portion overlap in the direction of the rotation axis of the force receiving member. 188. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the posture of the coupling member is regulated by contacting an underside surface of the groove portion with respect to the direction of gravity.